19th March 2026 | Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
History was made at the Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Ghana, Legon, on the 19th of March 2026 when it hosted the inauguration of the Ghana Music Society (GHAMS), a new association dedicated to advancing music scholarship, professional development, and policy advocacy in Ghana and the diaspora.
The ceremony took place at the Kwabena Nketia Conference Hall and drew participation from scholars based in Ghana and across the United States. Over the course of two hours, attendees witnessed two landmark moments: the adoption of a draft constitution and the inauguration of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to lead GHAMS for its first year. The IMC is chaired by Professor Daniel Avorgbedor, with Dr. Mrs. Adwoa Arhine as Vice-Chair, Dr. Eric Sunu Doe as Secretary, and Dr. Eyram Fiagbedzi as Treasurer. The Committee is expected to organise GHAMS's inaugural conference by 2027, at which a substantive elected administration will take over.
The inauguration is the result of two years of collaborative groundwork involving faculty from the IAS and the Music Departments of the University of Ghana, the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Cape Coast. Dr. Sylvanus Kuwor, Acting Dean of the School of Performing Arts, chaired the occasion, while Professor John Collins performed the formal launching of the Society and its constitution. Professor Samuel Ntewusu, Director of the IAS, attended as Special Guest of Honour.
Several eminent music scholars from the United States joined virtually to lend their support, among them Professor Kwesi Ampene (Tufts University), Professor Kofi Agawu (City University of New York), Professor Ama Aduonum (Illinois State University), and Professor George Dor (University of Massachusetts). Others — including Professor Obed Acquah and Professor John Annan of the University of Education, Winneba — made contributions in cash and kind towards the establishment of the Society.
GHAMS represents the third attempt in roughly seven decades to sustain a national music subject association in Ghana, following earlier efforts in 1958 and the early 1970s. Its founders are keenly aware of that history. Dr. Moses Nii-Dortey, Coordinator of the Music and Dance Unit at the IAS and one of the key architects of GHAMS, noted that the Institute has championed the research and study of music and related arts since its establishment in 1961, and expressed pride that it continues to lead in that tradition.
All speakers at the ceremony voiced optimism that this fresh beginning would energise music scholars and students in Ghana and the diaspora for years to come. The IMC now turns its attention to building membership, establishing governance structures, and laying the groundwork for GHAMS's first national conference.
Below are the names of the Steering Committee members who worked behind the scenes for GHAMS to become a reality.
1. Professor Daniel Avorgbedor (School of Performing Arts and the Institute of African Studies) is the brain behind the initiative.
2. Dr. Mrs. Adwoa Arhine Snr. Lecturer and Former Head at the Music Department, School of Performing Arts, UG. Dr Adwoa Arhine was a member of the Steering Committee
3. Dr. Eric Sunu Doe, Snr. Lecturer at Music Dept. School of Performing Arts. Dr Sunu Doe served as Secretary of the Steering Committee.
4. Dr. Eyram Fiagbedzi Snr. Lecturer at the Department of Music UG. He was a member.
5. Prof. Obed Acquah, Professor of Music and Dean of the School of Creative Arts, University of Education, Winneba. Member
6. Dr. John Dordzro- Snr. Lecturer and Head of the Music Department, University of Cape Coast. Member.
7. Dr. Moses Nii-Dortey, Coordinator of the Music and Dance Section, Institute of African Studies, UG, Legon. Chairman.