Centre For Migration Studies Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

The Centre for Migration Studies, as part of its 10th Anniversary Celebrations has organised a two-day International Conference on the theme, “Migration, Security and Development”.

Welcoming participants and guests, the Director, Centre for Migration Studies, Dr. Joseph Kofi Teye, said the theme for the conference was appropriate due to the link between migration and development, which is highly contested in the academic and policy fields. According to him, migration has been highly securitized by developed countries owing to growth in terrorism. 

He added that migration also offers great opportunities which can be effectively explored through research and knowledge sharing among academia’s, researchers and policy makers. Dr. Teye expressed optimism that the conference will provide a unique opportunity for sharing relevant theorectical perspectives and research findings.

He further expressed his profound appreciation to the staff and Founding members of the Centre for their support over the years, while paying glowing tribute to the Organising Team for the Conference.   

The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Kwame Offei who chaired the ceremony, congratulated the Centre on its remarkable achievements in teaching, research and extension services over the years.  He  praised the Centre for facilitating the the formulation of migration policies in Ghana and abroad. He stated that the brain drain in migrant-sending areas and pressurised social amenities in migrant-receiving areas which was of great concern to nations in past decades, has in recent years been contributing to the socio-economic transformation of those countries.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs (ASA), Prof. Kwame Offei

In his remarks, Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Provost of the College of Humanities commended the Centre for their efforts in enhancing the visibility of the University, through its active participation in drafting migration policy for Ghana and other African countries. According to him, reduction in poverty has considerably increased migration flow, as more people with the means to travel do so, thereby investing in the economies of respective countries. This he said has placed migration management on top of the global development agenda. He was therefore hopeful that discussions will significantly contribute to scholarship in the area of migration.

Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Provost of the College of Humanities

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Charles Owiredu who read a speech on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Ms. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway said that even though migration is an old phenomenon, it has become notable in the 21st century due to its impact on the socio-economic and political growth of Ghana, especially because it is also  crucial to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was collaborating with the Centre for Migration Studies on the drafting of the Diaspora Engagement Policy which he said was the beginning of fruitful relationship. The Minister for Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery said that although the Constitution of Ghana allows free movement of people which benefits the country, the security of the nation is equally at stake. He added that even though the government through the Immigration Services, is working hard to ensure the safety of all, there was the need for all stakeholders in this respect, to work collectively in order to achieve the national security goals. Hon. Dery also called on academics to make inputs to the Ministry to help build a stronger security system.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Charles Owiredu

A former Director of the Centre for Migration Studies, Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, in her keynote address, , disclosed that access to migrant rights remain differentiated, as migrants are often seen and characterized as either being desirable when educated and skilled, or undesirable when uneducated. This she said goes against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 16 and 17. She added that these undesirable migrants who were often disrespected and ill-treated also contribute to the growth of the economy. Prof. Manuh stressed the need for countries to critically look at improving economic conditions and making available social amenities to aid reduce the high rate of migration for reasons of seeking “greener pastures”.

Professor Samuel Agyei-Mensah launched the book for the Centre titled “Migration in a Globalizing World: Perspectives from Ghana”.

There were congratulatory and solidarity messages from some of the Centre’s partners, namely, Management for Development (MDF) Consortium, International Organization for Migration, The Diaspora Relation Unit; Office of The President and Ideal Capital Partners.