Prof. Ian Shapiro
Prof. Ian Shapiro, Sterling Professor of Political Science and Adjunct Professor of Law at Yale University, USA has delivered the 2016 edition of the University of Ghana Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lectures at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana.
The theme for the 3-day Lecture series, was “Fighting Political Domination”. The lectures attracted members of the University community, in particular students studying Political Science and the general public.
Prof. Ian Shapiro on the first day of the lecture series spoke on the topic, “The Responsibility to Protect: From Rwanda to Libya and Beyond”, in which he pointed out fraught attempts Africa had made with respect to its growth and development following successive belligerent regimes, and highlighted various attempts at recovery to sustained development.
Prof. Shapiro noted that in prescribing a panacea to Africa’s problems, there is the need for reforms on governance as well as prudent investments in commerce and technology. He lamented the situations in Rwanda, Libya, and Kosovo which saw untoward cases of human right abuses, violence and deaths, and called on individuals to be mindful of their critical role in safeguarding the peace and progress of their country. The first day was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey.
The second day of the lecture focused on “Lessons from South Africa’s Transition I: The Role of Leadership”. Prof. Shapiro demonstrated how an improbable situation as was the case of Apartheid in South Africa, eventually evolved and adapted to the tenets of democracy such as constitutional rule, voting franchise, tolerance and empathy. He lauded Nelson Mandela for playing the needed advocacy in ending the political and racial rancor in South Africa. The Lecture on the second day was chaired by the Chairman of the University Council, Hon. Justice S.K. Date-Bah.
The Lecture for the third day, which was chaired by a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr featured “Lessons from South Africa’s Transition II: The Role of Business”. Prof. Shapiro underscored the essential role businesses play in a country’s development. He noted that as businesses operate in a competitive but congenial environment, they are likely to form a consultative movement, thereby becoming more formidable to initiate strategies and influence government policies.
The third day of the lecture dovetailed into a Special Congregation where the University of Ghana conferred honorary degrees on 14 personalities, who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour.
Ghana Dance Ensemble heralding the procession to the Great Hall. In the photograph are Hon. Justice S.K. Date-Bah, Chairman of the University Council, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ernest Aryeetey and 2016 Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lecturer, Prof. Ian Shapiro
Prof. Ian Shapiro (third from left) in a group photograph with some officials of the University. From left, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar, Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, Pro-VC-ASA, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey,Vice-Chancellor, Hon. Justice Samuel Kofi Date-Bah, Chairman of University Council, Prof. John Gyapong, Pro-VC-ORID and Mr. J.K. Klinogo, Member of Council.
The audience at the lectures
Please click here for 2016 Aggrey-Fraser-Guggisberg Memorial Lecture brochure
