Ghana - Rotary & Peace

Dr. Joseph R. Oppong is Professor of Geography at the University of North Texas and an internationally recognized scholar in health and medical geography. His research examines the spatial patterns of disease, healthcare access, and the relationships among environmental change, mining, and human health. His work has addressed HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and Buruli ulcer in both the United States and Ghana, including National Science Foundation-funded studies on climate extremes, mining, and health.

Originally from Asankrangwa in Ghana’s Western Region, Dr. Oppong combines personal insight with extensive expertise in health and environmental geography, bringing a unique perspective to the study of galamsey and its health impacts. He holds a BA from the University of Ghana and MA and PhD degrees from the University of Alberta, Canada. He previously served as Chair of the Health and Medical Geography Specialty Group and Secretary of the American Association of Geographers National Council (2020-2023).