Prof. Samuel Agyei –Mensah
Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Professor of Geography and Provost of the College of Humanities has delivered the first inaugural lecture for the 2015/2016 academic year. The lecture was on the topic, “Finding Space for African Population Health”.
Prof. Agyei-Mensah shared his research work and scholarly articles over the past years and noted that as a Geographer, his area of expertise pertained to Population and Health Geography. He mentioned that while Fertility, Migration and Mortality issues were his focus in the area of Population studies, HIV/AIDS, Non-Communicable Diseases and Air Pollution exposures were some areas he had researched on with regards to Health. These thematic areas, he hinted, when methodically explored, would result in closer linkages between population health and spatial analysis, as well as augment theory, advise policy, and address the existing depth of knowledge.
Prof. Agyei-Mensah emphasized that if space is entirely ignored as is often the case in social science research, the understanding of population and health issues will be incomplete. He added that because humans are strongly and unavoidably spatially located and their daily lives spatially based they are influenced by other persons in same spatial location because humans are socially located.
Prof. Agyei-Mensah indicated that from research, until the late 1980’s, sub-saharan Africa was the only major region in the world where fertility was not declining. He noted that changes are however occurring in some countries such as Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Western Nigeria and recently, Ghana. He added that population and health demographics across the world, are transitional due to the varying socio-economic characteristics of people. Citing an instance, he said that the Northern Region of Ghana, recorded a highest fertility rate of 6.8% and with no evidence of any significant change, while fertility levels in Greater Accra was between 2.5-3.4%, significantly caused by availability and access to contraceptives, educational or social status of most urban dwellers as well as other health factors such as stress.
On policy implications regarding fertility issues, Prof. Agyei-Mensah indicated that Sub-Saharan Africa is the last remaining region with high fertility and rapid population growth and that what happens to fertility in the region will shape the future of the planet’s population. He cited the most recent United Nations projections, which states that fertility in Africa is expected to drop from over five births per woman today to 3.2 births by 2050. Under this scenario, he noted, the population of Africa will grow from 0.83 to 2.1 billion between 2010 and mid-century. This increase of 1.3 billion represents half of total global growth. In 1950 Africa’s population accounted for 7 percent of the world total. By 2050, this proportion is likely to be 22 percent and may well rise to 35 percent by the end of the century. He said these numbers have huge implications for human welfare, with implications for a high youth dependency ratio, which diverts resources from investment in agricultural modernization and manufacturing.
Prof. Agyei-Mensah emphasized the need for interdisciplinary research collaborations between scholars at all levels, which he attested had accounted for success in his academic career. He expressed gratitude to all his Professors, colleagues and Research collaborators for their support to his academic career.
Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, Registrar, giving her welcome remarks
Earlier in welcome remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, noted that the lecture was an official acknowledgement of Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah’s promotion to the rank of full Professorship and to also bring recognition to the Department of Geography and Resource Development. Mrs. Haizel-Ashia was thankful to members of the University community and the general public for honoring the invitation to the first inaugural lecture in the 2015/2016 academic year. The lecture, she noted, would provide them with the opportunity to appreciate fully Prof. Agyei-Mensah’s research career and also to being informed on current and future research directions. Mrs. Haizel-Ashia was delighted about the interests of many Professors to deliver their inaugural lectures during the Academic year.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey delivering remarks at the lecture
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, who chaired the lecture, congratulated Prof. Agyei-Mensah on his accomplishment and his exploits that had brought honour to the University of Ghana. Prof. Aryeetey acknowledged the several awards and research grants Prof. Agyei-Mensah received in recognition of his teaching and professional work, including the Distinguished Award for Meritorious Service, 2012 from the University of Ghana and a more recent project on ‘urban transition in Ghana’ funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), U.S.A.
Presentations were made to Prof. Agyei-Mensah from his wife and children, the College of Humanities and the Department of Geography and Resource Development. There were also presentations from the International Programmes Office of the University of Ghana, some friends from Ashesi University as well as 1978 year group of Prempeh College, his alma mater.
Prof. Agyei-Mensah’s wife and children in a pose with him after congratulating him with a bouquet of flowers
Prof. Agyei-Mensah in a pose with his mother (second left) and other family members after they made a presentation to him
Presentations: 1978 year group of Prempeh College (left) and friends from Ashesi University (Right)
Presentations: College of Humanities (left) and International Programmes Office (Right)
A Presentation from the Department of Geography and Resource Development
Prof. Agyei-Mensah in a pose with University officials and colleagues
The audience at the lecture
Prior to delivering his inaugural lecture, a week long exhibition of Prof. Agyei-Mensah’s scholarly works was mounted at the Balme Library. The opening ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, the Registrar, Mrs. Mercy Haizel-Ashia, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (ASA), Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei and the University Librarian, Prof. Ellis. Edwin Badu. The ceremony was chaired by Emerita Prof. Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf.
Prof. Agyei-Mensah being assisted by Emerita Prof. Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf and Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah to cut a tape to open the exhibition of his scholarly works
Prof. Agyei-Mensah speaking on some of his displayed scholarly works. Looking on are Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, Pro-Vice Chancellors, Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei and Prof. John Gyapong
