The Institute of African Studies recently launched its 60th anniversary, which coincides with the establishment of the Ghana Dance Ensemble. The theme of the event, held at the Yiri Lodge Conference Hall, was "Projecting the African Genius and African Studies: Past, Present and Future."
As part of the launch, a round table discussion, that featured former Directors reflecting on Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's mandate in the African Genius speech was held.
In welcoming participants to the launch event, Prof. Samuel Ntewusu, the current Director of the Institute, expressed gratitude to the past leadership and dedicated workforce for their contributions over the years. He, however, highlighted persistent challenges, including securing research funding, amplifying teaching responsibilities and supporting fieldwork, as factors that impact faculty morale and affect the progress of the Institute. He called on Management, local and international organisations and development partners to support the Institute in carrying out its mandate.
Prof. Samuel Ntewusu, Director of IAS
Provost of the College of Education, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, in launching the anniversary, expressed his pride in the Institute’s establishment and recognised its exceptional journey over six decades of scholarly dedication and cultural preservation.
During the discussion, Prof. George Hagan, a past Director of the Institute (1996-1998), emphasised the need for a unique identity, reflecting Africa's perspectives through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary courses. For Emerita Prof. Takyiwaa Manuh, former Director of IAS between 2002 and 2009, there is a need for the African youth to be empowered. This, she believes, can be achieved through efforts that ensure the youth engage with African materials in research, which will foster global alliances and instill hope among the country's youth.
Another past Director, Prof. Irene Odotei (1998-2002), in her contributions during the panel session stressed the importance of strategic research funding and capacity building to uphold the Institute's mandate of exploring Africa and its Diaspora globally.
Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo (2010-2015) centered her remarks on the need for the Institute to champion a dynamic vision that promotes gender perspectives within African Studies. She reiterated the need for women's voices, gender equality and intersectionality within the spectrum of African studies.
Chaired and moderated by Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, the event hosted notable figures such as Dr. Yvonne Ayerki Lamptey, Director of HRODD, Research Fellow Dr. Mjiba Frehiwot, and another former Director of IAS, Prof. Dzodzi Tsikata. The celebration continued with captivating exhibitions at the Institute's forecourt, featuring images depicting the legacies of past directors and their impactful work.
The festivities extended into a second segment on Saturday, December 16, 2023, with an awards ceremony titled, "ADIKANFO MO: An Evening of Performances in Honour of our Pioneers" at the Quadrangle located at the Old Site of IAS.
At the awards ceremony, past Directors of IAS as well as trailblazers and former Artistic Directors of the Ghana Dance Ensemble, were honoured and presented with citations.
