Centre For Latin American Studies Hosts First -Ever Continental Congress of The Latin American Studies Association (Lasa) In Africa

The inaugural Continental Congress in Africa, organized by the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) in partnership with the Centre for Latin American Studies (CLAS) at the University of Ghana, convened at the Maison Français Conference Room. Themed 'Africa and Latin America: A Call for Dialogues and Connections,' the congress aimed to stimulate meaningful conversations and forge connections between these two regions. Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, serving as Chairman, expressed delight in Ghana being chosen as the host, especially during the University's 75th Anniversary celebrations. Commending CLAS, led by Dr. Joana Boampong, for fostering engagement, the Provost highlighted the congress's importance in promoting understanding, collaboration, and friendship between Africa and Latin America. He encouraged participants to leverage this opportunity for networking and emphasized the significance of guests from Latin America and other African countries relishing their first visit to Ghana, embracing its beauty and hospitality.
In her introductory address, Dr. Jo-Marie Burt, the President of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA), extended gratitude to the University of Ghana for hosting the inaugural Continental Congress in Africa. She underscored the significance of Ghana's selection as the host, emphasizing its status as the 'Gateway to Africa.'

Dr. Burt acknowledged the shared historical burdens of colonial imposition, slavery, and exploitation faced by both regions under European influence. She expressed admiration for the resilience and creativity demonstrated by Africans in overcoming oppression and suppression.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Burt highlighted the common spirit of resistance uniting Africa and Latin America. She urged both regions to cultivate stronger connections, fostering a collective resistance against the rule of oppressors.

Dr. Joana Boampong, the Founding Director of the Centre of Latin American Studies (CLAS), emphasized the congress's significance, not only coinciding with the University's 75th Anniversary but also aligning with the seventh anniversary of the Centre's inauguration in 2016. Dr. Boampong elaborated on the Center's mission, highlighting its role as a vital link connecting Africa and Latin America. She discussed its commitment to facilitate ongoing collaboration between CLAS and LASA through sustained dialogue and the establishment of meaningful connections.
Professor Mara Viveros-Vigoya, representing the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogela, Colombia, spoke at the congress, urging Africa and Latin America to persist in enhancing their connection and collaborating for the mutual improvement of both continents.
Ambassador Daniel Garces Carabali, the Colombian Ambassador to Ghana, acknowledged the historic significance of the congress and affirmed that the Colombian government was actively working to enhance not just the connections between Ghana and Colombia but also fostering stronger ties between Africa and Latin America. He commended the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) and the Centre for Latin American Studies (CLAS) for their commendable efforts in orchestrating the congress.

Ambassador Daniel Garces Carabali, the Colombian Ambassador to Ghana, acknowledged the historic significance of the congress and affirmed that the Colombian government was actively working to enhance not just the connections between Ghana and Colombia but also fostering stronger ties between Africa and Latin America. He commended the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) and the Centre for Latin American Studies (CLAS) for their commendable efforts in orchestrating the congress