RIPS is committed to training and development the intellect, independence and character of the most competitive graduate students and faculty from across the continent and the globe and playing a leading role in research in population health by ardently pursuing excellence in education.

The Institute accomplishes its mission by mentoring students to develop their potential and integrity as experts in their field of population sciences. This includes employing the most innovative and interdisciplinary methodologies for research and training to turn out highly motivated, ethical, competitive, students capable of publishing in major journals, as well as productive and relevant population scientists in Africa.

RIPS will be globally recognized as the leading center for research and training in population/health science in Africa, contributing to the well-being and health of African communities through collaborative work within the Institute and with local communities.

Brief History 

The Regional Institute for Populations Studies (RIPS) is a research and training institute at the University of Ghana. A joint initiative between the United Nations and Government of Ghana, RIPS was set up in 1972 to train demographers in Africa and undertake research in population sciences. One of two such Institutes established RIPS represented English speaking Africa whilst IFORD was established in Cameroun. As the focus of population issues have evolved at national level, many African countries established training institutions in their respective countries; however RIPS’ continues to train and collaborate with other African institutions in many areas of population and health research.

RIPS seeks to promote and strengthen the capacity of African population scientists, and has been ably supported by a number of funding agencies notably The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Over the years RIPS has trained many scientists, some of whom have gone on to occupy positions in which they play key roles in the Africa population agenda. Our growing body of graduates continues to contribute to research that shape national and international policy.

The research interests of faculty member’s cut across multidisciplinary social science disciplines. In addition to receiving a well rounded academic understanding of research, the RIPS training curriculum equips graduates with analytical research skills and practical field experience and modern research trends. Mentorship support is provided at all levels in Ghana and during sandwich programs with our international affiliates.

Currently RIPS has 20 MA (2011/2012), 18 MPhil and 9 PhD students enrolled.