The University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies (IAS) presented five distinguished scholars to be conferred with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees during the university’s latest graduation ceremony. The event, which took place at the Great Hall on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, was followed with an intimate gathering at the Institute, where faculty members, staff, and fellow students celebrated the achievements of the graduates.
A short ceremony was held at the Institute hosted by the current Director of the Institute, Professor Samuel Ntewusu, and graced by the immediate past director, Professor Dzodzi Tsikata. Both scholars took turns to commend the graduates on their rigorous academic journeys and expressing optimism about their future contributions to academia and society.
In his address, the Director congratulated the graduates on their significant milestone and expressed appreciation for the role played by supervisors, faculty members and mentors in their academic journey. He recalled a remark by Professor Ato Quayson during his own PhD experience, emphasizing that earning a doctorate is not merely about intelligence but a "trial of the will," requiring resilience in the face of pressure, financial strain, and other challenges. He commended the graduates for their perseverance, noting that they have now joined the ranks of distinguished scholars.
In her remarks, Professor DzodiTsikata expressed joy at witnessing the graduation of the students, because many of them began their PhD journey during her tenure. She reminded them that the IAS remains their lifelong academic home, assuring them of their continued place within its intellectual community. She encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with determination and a strong sense of purpose.
Professor Amoah Labi who spoke on behalf of Fellows congratulated the newly graduated students and highlighted the importance of contributing to academic scholarship. He urged them to embrace their new status with confidence and make an impact through publications, particularly in top-tier international journals. The Graduate Coordinator, also extended her congratulations, recognizing their hard work and perseverance. She encouraged them to take pride in their academic journey and to promote the IAS as their intellectual foundation. She advised them to carry forward the lessons learned as they navigate their careers.
The short ceremony was also attended by senior faculty members, PhD candidates, and administrative staff, who joined in celebrating this momentous occasion. The supportive academic environment provided by the institute, faculty and administrative staff fostered the intellectual growth and research contributions of the graduates.
The five doctoral graduates showcased a diverse range of research that address pressing socio-economic, political, and cultural issues in Ghana and beyond. Their scholarly work has the potential to shape policy-making and influence discussions in their respective fields. The graduates and their various research include:
Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Badu Amoah: Mining in Obuasi: Conflict, Social Justice, and Peacebuilding (1890-2014) – His study examines the historical and contemporary socio-political challenges of mining in Obuasi, highlighting conflicts, justice mechanisms, and peacebuilding efforts within the sector.
Dr. Richard Awubomu: Shrines and Healing in the Kete-Krachi Area: The Case of Dente – Dr. Awubomu’s research delves into indigenous religious practices, particularly focusing on the Dente shrine’s role in healing and spiritual interventions within the Kete-Krachi region.
Dr. Promise Eweh: The Political Economy of Seed Use and Food Security in Ghana – Investigating the agricultural sector, Dr. Eweh’s work critically analyses how seed policies and usage patterns impact food security, sustainability, and economic stability in Ghana.
Dr. Victor Anderson Hodibert: Host Players and Community Tourism Development: A Study of Busua in the Western Region of Ghana – His research explores the relationship between local communities and tourism, assessing how host-player interactions influence sustainable tourism development in Busua.
Dr. Latifu Tahiru: Social Protection Policies and the Dynamics of Implementation in Ghana: A Study of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Cash Transfer Programme in the Krachi East Municipality – Dr. Tahiru’s study investigates Ghana’s social protection frameworks, specifically examining the LEAP program’s effectiveness and the challenges encountered in implementation.
The graduation of these five PhD scholars is a reflection of the Institute of African Studies’ commitment to fostering critical research on African issues. With topics spanning social justice, economic policy, tourism, and indigenous knowledge systems, these dissertations contribute invaluable insights that can inform national and international development strategies.
The graduates represented by Dr. Richard Awubomu expressed their gratitude to their supervisors, colleagues, and families for their support throughout their academic journeys. He shared aspirations of continuing research, engaging in policy work, and contributing to educational institutions both locally and internationally.
As the Institute of African Studies continues to position itself as a leader in African studies, this latest batch of PhD graduates exemplifies the institution’s role in shaping intellectual discourse and driving impactful change. The IAS community looks forward to seeing how these scholars will translate their research into meaningful contributions in their respective fields.
