Dr Samuel Nilirmi Nkumbaan

Senior lecturer

Contact info SNkumbaan@ug.edu.gh

About

Dr. Samuel Nilirmi Nkumbaan is a Senior Lecturer and currently, the Head of Department, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Archaeology with History and is the first recipient of the Professor Merrick Posnansky Award for the best graduating student in archaeology. He also holds a Master and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Archaeology from the University of Ghana. His doctoral research focused on a 6th Century A.D unique mound cultural tradition at Tando Fagusa in Northern Ghana, containing zoomorphic and anthropomorphic terracotta figurines among many other archaeological objects. He is a fellow of the University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Award (UMAPS – 2014-2015), where he audited Archaeological Systematics and the Museum Studies Programme courses, and presented several academic seminars. He was a Visiting Assistant Professor to the University of Rochester, New York, (2018) teaching Early Civilizations in Africa, and Archaeology of West Africa: 500 B.C-AD 1950 and presented several seminars at Rochester and Syracuse Universities. He has presented seminars at the Universities of Manchester and Copenhagen, United Kingdom (2009, 2011, and 2013), Denmark (2007) respectively. He has attended many conferences, locally and internationally at which he presented academic papers. He has a modicum of experience with project management, including the implementation of the British Academy Award for an exhibition of Koma Research at the University of Manchester, and his involvement since 2010 in undertaking a number archaeological/cultural heritage impact assessments for many firms including African Environmental Research Consult, SAL Consult Ltd, NEMAS Environmental Consultancy Ltd, Traffic and Environmental Network, GeoSystems Ltd among others.  His key research interests are in Cultural Resource Management, Material Expressions of Culture (Art), Cultural/Heritage Tourism, Development-led Archaeology, Applied/Development Archaeology, and the History of the Konkomba of Northern Ghana. He has a number of publications and several technical/consultancy reports to his credit. He has coordinated the Professor J.R. Anquandah Memorial Lectures since 2022, and has contributed greatly to the organization of the Prof. Anquandah Prize for the best graduating student in MPhil, Archaeology. 

 

Courses Taught:

  • ARCH 112: Archaeology and the African Cultural Heritage
    ARCH 203/213: Human Origins and Cultural Foundations in Africa
  • ARCH 204/214: Early Civilisations of Africa 
  • ARCH 303/323: Method and Theory of Archaeology
  • ARCH 308/328: Archaeology, Anthropology and Cultural Evolution
  • ARCH 301/321: Archaeology and the Natural Environment
  • ARCH 309/329: Archaeology and Tourism in Ghana
  • ARCH 401/421: Archaeological Field |Methods and Techniques
  • ARCH 403/423: Ethnographic Field |Methods and Techniques
  • ARCH 404/424: Cultural Resource Management
  • ARCH 408/428: Human Diversity, Conflict and Peace Management
  • ARCH 410: Independent (Long Essay) Research Supervision
  • ARCH 601: History of Archaeological Method and Theory
  • ARCH 603: Advanced Field Methods and Strategies
  • ARCH 602: Analysis and Interpretation of Material Culture
  • ARCH 630: Research Seminar I Examinations
  • ARCH 640: Research Seminar II Examinations
  • ARCH 703: Advanced Archaeological Theories
  • ARCH 705: Advanced Archaeological Methods and Techniques
  • ARCH 710: Research Proposal Examinations
  • ARCH 720: Experiential Learning Supervision and Examination
  • ARCH 730: Thesis Progress Report Supervision and Examination
  • ARCH 740: Provisional Thesis Findings Report Supervision and Examination 
  • ARCH 600: Dissertation and Thesis Supervision and Examination (MA/MPhil)
  • ARCH 700:  Dissertation and Thesis Supervision and Examination (PhD)

Current Research:

Archaeological Investigation at Tando Fagusa, Koma Land, Northern Ghana (On-going Doctoral Research)
Archaeological Investigations at Yikpabongo, Koma Land, Northern Ghana
Settlement Patterns and Discard Behaviour among the Konkomba of Gbadagbam, Northern Region, Ghana

Education

May 2015         Ph.D. Archaeology     University of Ghana, Legon
May 2003         M.Phil. Archaeology    University of Ghana, Legon
March 2000      B.A. Archaeology with History    University of Ghana, Legon

Research Interest

 Cultural Resource Management, Historical Archaeology and Tourism

Publications

Book Chapters

  1. Nkumbaan, S. N. & Gblerkpor, W. N (2014). Cultural Resource Management Archaeology in Ghana. In: Anquandah, J. Kankpeyeng, B & Apoh W. (eds), Current Perspectives in the Archaeology of Ghana: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies Reader, University of Ghana. Sub-Saharan Publishers, Accra.
  2. Gblerkpor, W. N. & Nkumbaan, S. N. (2014), Archaeology and Sciopolitical Engagements in Ghana: Experiences from the Krobo Mountain Archaeological Project. In: Anquandah, J. Kankpeyeng, B & Apoh W. (eds), Current Perspectives in the Archaeology of Ghana: Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies Reader, University of Ghana. Sub-Saharan Publishers, Accra.
  3. Insoll, T., Kankpeyeng, B. W., and Nkumbaan S. N (2012). Fragmentary Ancestors? Medincine, Bodies, and Personhood in a Koma Mound, Northern Ghana. In. Rountree, K., Morris, C., and Peatfield, A. A. D. (eds). Archaeology of Spiritualities. Springer; New York
  4. Nkumbaan, N. S. (2010), Defining Archaeology in Ghana: A Historical Interpretation. In: Sinha-Kerkhoff, K., & Alatas, S. F. (eds), Academic Dependency in the Social Sciences: Structural Reality and Intellectual Challenges. Manohar Publishers, New Delhi

 

Mongraphs

  1. Kankpeyeng, B.W. & Nkumbaan, S. N. (2009), Ancient Shrines? New Insights on the Koma Land sites of northern Ghana. In: Magnivita, S., Koté, L., Brunig, P., & Idé, O.A. (eds): Crossroad/Carrefour Sahel. Cultural and Technological Developments in First Millenium BC/AD West Africa. Journal of African Archaeology Monograph Series Vol. 2. Africa Magna Verlag, Frankfurt.
  2. Kankpeyeng, W. B. and Nkumbaan, N.S. (2008): “Rethinking the Stone Circle Mounds of Komaland: A preliminary Report on the 2007/2008 Fieldwork at Yikpabongo, Northern Region, Ghana” In: Timothy Insoll (ed). Current Archaeological Research in Ghana. Cambridge Monographs in African Archaeology 74.
  3. Nkumbaan, N.S. (2008): “The Archaeology of Slavery: A Study of Kasana, Upper West Region, Ghana” In: Timothy Insoll (ed). Current Archaeological Research in Ghana. Cambridge Monographs in African Archaeology 74.

 

Published Research Work in Refereed Journals

  1. Kwabena O. Akurang-Parry*1, Samuel N. Nkumbaan*2, and Albert Larbi Appiah*3 (2025). “Small-Scale Wars in the Northern Parts of Ghana: A Case Study of the Forced Migration during 1994 Nanumba-Konkomba and its Effects on Women”. African Journal of Social Sciences Education, Volume 3(1), 2025, pp. 145-178
  2. Eyifa-Dzidzienyo, G. A. M. and Nkumbaan, S. N. (2020). “Looted and illegally acquired African objects in European museums: issues of restitution and repatriation in Ghana”. Contemporary Journal of African Studies, Vol. 7 No. 1 (2020).
  3. Arthur, P. K.; Amarh, V.; Blessie, E. J. S.; Yeboah, R.; Kankpeyeng, B. W.; Nkumbaan, S. N.; Tiburu, E. K. (2020). “In vitro antibacterial activities of selected TB drugs in the presence of clay minerals against multidrugresistant strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis”. Cogent Engineering, 7 (1), 1-11
  4. Elvis K. Tiburu; Benjamin W. Kankpeyeng; Samuel N. Nkumbaan; Ali A. Salifu; and Jianqin Zhuang (2017): “Novel Nanocrystal Clay Materials with Potential Bone Cells Growth Enhancement or Inhibition Characteristics In Vitro”. Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering. ISSN: 2296-9845, Vol. 30, pp 45-60
  5. Kankpeyeng, B., Swanepoel, N., Insoll, T., Nkumbaan, S., Amartey, S., Saako, M. (2013): Insights into Past Ritual Practice at Yikpabongo, Northern region, Ghana. African Archaeological Review. Springer, New York.
  6. Kankpeyeng, B. W., Nkumbaan, S. N., & Insoll, T. (2011), Indigenous Cosmology, Art Forms and Past Medicinal Practices: Towards an Interpretation of Ancient Koma Land Sites in Northern Ghana. Anthropology and Medicine 18.

 

Conference Proceedings

  1. Ampofo Manu, J. and Nkumbaan, S. N. (2024). “The Nexus Between Archaeological Exploration and Heritage Contestation: Perspectives from Pizaga, Upper West Region of Ghana”. In The Asian Conference on Cultural Studies 2024 Official Conference Proceedings. The International Academic Forum

GRADUATE SUPERVISION 

  1. Emmanuel Yaw Attah, PhD Museum and Heritage Studies (ID: 10637139). Title: Military Heritage: A Study of the Ghana Navy. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  2. Jonathan Ampofo Manu, PhD Museum and Heritage Studies (ID: 10178802). Title: The Nexus between Archaeological Exploration and Heritage Contestation: Perspectives from Pizaga, Upper West Region, Ghana. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  3. Isah Ishaq Ishaq, PhD Museum and Heritage Studies (ID: 10804351). Title: Re-Conceptualising Archaeological Collection Management in Nigerian Museums. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  4. Portia Ama Bansa, PhD Museum and Heritage Studies. Title: Heritage Values and Management in Forikrom, Bono East Region. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  5. Christiana Wulty Diku, PhD Archaeology. Title: Documentation of Heritage Resources in Lawra District, Upper West Region – Ghana. University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa
  6. Prince Aboagye Mahama, MPhil Archaeology (ID: 11358782). Title: Archaeology of Neripe and its Implications on the Gonja Area. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  7. Solomon Obi, MA Museum and Heritage Studies (ID: 11005128). Title: The Concept of “Black” in the History and Heritage of Ghana. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon

  8. Ransford Nana Yurku Forson, MA Museum and Heritage Studies (ID: 11366153). Title: Contemporary Uses of Heritage: A Study of the Relationship between Manya Jorpanya and Manya Hill. Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon

     

    UNDERGRADUATE SUPERVISION

  9. Kru Emmanuel, (10189808) BA. Title: Water Scarcity in Abease and her Environs: Challenges to Humans, Plants and Animals (2007). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  10. Oware Gyapong Seth, (10187171) BA. Title: An Ethnographic Study of the Ghana Sculpture Industry: A Case Study of Aburi Industrial Centre (2008). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  11. Agyare Darko Isaac, (10177622) BA. Title: The Nature of Rented Residential Houses and its Impact on People: A Case Study of Study at Ashaiman (2008). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  12. Ibrahim Alimatu, (10201583) BA. Title: Objects and Symbols Used in Catholic Worship: A Case Study of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Legon (2009). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon

  13. Amoakohene Philip Mensah (10223143 BA. Title: The Development of Rural Tourism in Ghana: A Study of Axim, Western Region (2010). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon

     

  14. Ansah Benedicta Tweneboah (10227298) BA. Title: The Promotion of Rural Tourism in Dixcove: Potentials in the Archaeological Heritage Resource (2010). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  15. Kakiba Timothy Nimien (10268913) BA. Title: Mortuary Practice Among the Konomba: A Case Study of the Sibi Traditional Area (2011). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  16. Owusu Samuel Afriyie (10284102) BA. Title: Archaeology, Media and Tourism Development in Ghana. (2012). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  17. Kyeraah Dorothy (10281269) BA. Title: The Role of Symbolism in Wax Print and Wax Print Value in GA Traditional Marriage at Osu. (2012). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  18. Martey Gloria (10315741) BA. Title: Commodifying our Heritage for (National) Development: A Case Study of Tourism Prospect at Prampram. (2013). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  19. Koomson Kyei Samuel (10310615) BA. Title: Small Scale Mining and the Influence of Archaeological Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Wassa Amenfi East Disrrict. (2013). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  20. Tana Peace (10348504) BA. Title: Socio-Economic Significance of the Regalia of the Paramount Chief of Bigbem (Ugem Bor), Saboba, Northern Region. (2014). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  21. Kyei Baffour Asante (10342462) BA. Title: Harnessing Nature and Culture for Socio-Economic Development: A Case Study of Aprokumase. (2014). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  22. Aziz Unusah (10336980) BA. Title: The Historical and Environmental Conservation of Sacred Groves in Upper West Region: A Case Study of Tibagntuo and the Naa-Guraa Sacred Groves. (2014). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  23. Ayayee Gershon Ashiagbor (10398904) BA. Title: Ethnographic Study of Wli Falls: Impact of the Waterfall (Tourist Site) on the People and their Culture. (2016). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  24. Adams B. H. W. Hussein (10421080) BA. Title: An Ethnographic Study on the Role of Courtroom Historian in Preserving the History of Diare. (2016). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  25. Krobi Paulina Darko Akosua (10424143) BA. Title: An Ethnographic Study of Smock Weaving: A Case Study of Yendi. (2016). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  26. Oppong Felix (10413223) BA. Title: An Ethnographic Study of Gold Mining and Relocations of Cultural Heritages: A Case Study of Prestea Huni-Valley District. (2016). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  27. Gad Obed Kofi (10405671) BA. Title: The Impact of Tourism on Archaeology and the Economy of Ghana: A Case Study of the Osu Castle. (2016). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  28. Akwaa-Darko Peggy (10573746) BA. Title: A Study of Infant Burial Rites from Pre to Post European Contact Era Among the Ashanti of Offinso. (2019). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  29. Asantewaa Lydia (10571550) BA. Title: Ethnographic Study of Odwira Festival at Boso. (2019). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon.
  30. Adzalo Precious Yayra (10630347) BA. Title: Ethno-Historical Study of Student Politics at the University of Ghana. (2020). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  31. Obi Solomon (10661944) BA. Title: The Concept of Open-Air Museum in Heritage Documentation, Preservation and Education: A Case Study of Rabito Spot, Pokuase-Afiamah, Accra. (2021). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  32. Terkpetey Danielle Teteki (10685040) BA. Title: Documenting the History and Heritage Resources of Manya Jorpanya. (2021). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  33. Adam Musah (10660570) BA. Title: Documenting and Assessing the Tourism Potentials of Heritage Resources of Dagbon. (2021). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  34. Nansem Emmanuel (10706770) BA. Title: Memories of European Encounters with Northern Ghana: A Case Study of N-Nalog Liwunjul Bo, Saboba Traditional Area. (2022). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  35. Akyen Enock (10813267) BA. Title: Conservation and Preservation of Cultural Heritage: A Case Study of Anomabo, Central Region. (2023). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  36. Maison Nhyira Ama Toprah (10842741) BA. Exploring the Tourism Potential of Architectural Heritage Monuments in Ghana: A Case Study of the National Theatre. (2023). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  37. Andrews Aba A. Theophiline (10840880) BA. Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Haatso, Accra. (2023). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  38. Otchere Sumaila Fiddaws (ID: 10920030) BA. Impact of Mining on Socio-Cultural Behavior of Communities: A Case of Tertrem, Ashanti Region. (2024). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  39. Boakye Afriya (ID: 10918328) BA. Works of Art and Preservation of Heritage: A study of PadikiArtGallrey. (2024). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  40. Nanegbe Esther (ID: 10913576) BA. A Social Anthropological Study of the Concepts of Child Labor and Apprenticeship: The Case of Selected Workshops in Kasoa, Central Region. (2024). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  41. Pedison Asiedua Francisca (ID: 10903677) BA. Archaeology and Development: A Case Study of the Abetifi Stone Age Park. (2024). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  42. Eugenia Ama Asilevi (ID: 10975125) BA. Ghana and Heritage Preservation: A Documentation of the Legacies of the Operations of Multinational Corporations in Akuse-Amedeka. (2025). Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon

 

CONSULTANCY SERVICES

  1. Samuel Nkumbaan (2026). Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment on the Asikuma Inland Port Project. A Report Submitted to SNE Professionals Ltd.
  2. Samuel Nkumbaan (2025). Baseline Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment and Mitigation at the Western Rail Project. A Report Submitted to SAL Consult Ltd.
  3. Samuel Nkumbaan (2025). Baseline Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment and Mitigation at the Kibi Goldmines Ltd, Eastern Region, Ghana. A Report Submitted to GeoSystems Ltd.
  4. Samuel Nkumbaan (2025). Baseline Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment and Mitigation at the Kubi Goldmines Ltd, Central Region, Ghana. A Report Submitted to GeoSystems Ltd.
  5. Samuel Nkumbaan (2025). Baseline Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment and Mitigation at the Zongori Gold Mining Concession in the Bawku West District. A Report Submitted to GeoSystems Ltd
  6. Samuel Nkumbaan (2024). An Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment for the Atlantic Lithium Project in the Central Region of Ghana. A Report Submitted to NEMAS Consult Ltd. Accra.
  7. Samuel Nkumbaan (2024). An Archaeological Baseline Study of the MIGOB Gold Mining Concession Area in Nkawie, Ashanti Region. A Report Submitted to GeoSystems Ltd. 
  8. Samuel Nkumbaan (2023). Baseline Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment and Mitigation at the Rocksure Bauxite Concession Area in Nyinahim Block B. – Traffic and Environmental Network.
  9. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (November 2021): Archaeological Baseline Study of Cardinal Resources Ltd Concession Area at Digaare and Tolla in the Tallensi District of the Upper East Region. A Report Submitted to GeoSystems Ltd
  10. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (October 2021): Baseline and Impact Assessment and Mitigation (Specialist Report: Archaeological and Cultural Heritage). Submitted to SAL Consult Ltd, Accra
  11. Nkumbaan N. S. (February 2020): Archaeological Baseline study of the IronRidge Resources (IRR) Concession in the Mfantsiman Municipality of the Central Region, Ghana. A Report Submitted to NEMAS Consult, Accra
  12. Nkumbaan N. S. (June 2020): Archeological Survey of the Concession Area for the Nsutem BioGas Project. A Report Submitted to NEMAS Consult, Accra
  13. Nkumbaan, N. S. (August 2020): Archaeological Baseline Study of GOLDA & Associates Mining Concession Area in the Amansie Central District, Asante Region. A Report Submitted to GeoSystems Ltd.
  14. Nkumbaan N. S. and William N. Gblekpor (September 2020): An archaeological reconnaissance survey of the Tamale Water Redevelopment Project Corridor. A Report Submitted to the Ghana Water Company Ltd
  15. Nkumbaan, N. S (December 2017): Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey of Cardinal Resources Ltd Concession Area at Buing and Datoko, Bongo District, Upper East Region. A Report Submitted to NEMAS Consult
  16.  Kankpeyeng, B. W., Siaw, A., Nkumbaan, N. S (2017): Archaeological Baseline Study of the Tribune Concessions, Western Region. A Report Submitted to African Environmental Research Consult (AERC) Ltd 
  17. Nkumbaan, S. N. (2015): Training Programme for the Protection, Preservation and Management of Cultural Heritage Resources, and Re-evaluation of the 2007 Archaeological/Cultural Impact Assessment: A Report Submitted to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL). 
  18. Nkumbaan, N. S. (2015): Archaeological Baseline Study of the Esaase/Obotan Conveyor Belt Corridor, Amansie West District (Keegan Gold Ghana Limited and Asanko Gold Mines): A Report Submitted to the African Environmental Research Consult (AERC). 
  19. Boachie-Ansah, J., Bredwa-Mensah,Y., Kankpeyeng, B., Nkumbaan, S., and Murey, B. (2010). Reconnaissance on Potential Impacts on Physical Cultural Resources (PCR). Baseline Archaeological Technical Report on Cultural Resources along Buipe-Tamale Road Corridor. Report Submitted to the Ghana Highways Authority, Accra.
  20. Kankpeyeng, Benjamin and Nkumbaan, Samuel.  2007/2008. Committee’s Report on State of Koma Sites, Northern Ghana, 2007/2008. Report Submitted to the National Commission on Culture.
  21. Kankpeyeng, B., Nkumbaan, S., Murey, B., and Agbo, R., 2006. Preliminary Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey of Komaland Sites. Report Submitted to the National Commission on Culture

CONFERENCE PARTICIPATION/PRESENTATIONS

  1. Samuel Nkumbaan (2024). “Archaeology and development in Ghana: A Study of the Abetifi Stone Age Community Development Park”. Second Seminar of Museum of West African Arts Institute, Benin City, Nigeria. 
  2. Samuel Nkumbaan (2024). The Nexus between Archaeology and Development, and Development-led Archaeology: Selected Case Studies in Ghana. 25th Conference of Archaeological Association Nigeria (AAN) – March 10-13, 2024. Theme: Current Trends in Archaeology and Heritage Practices in Nigeria.
  3. Samuel Nkumbaan (2023). Ghana-European Encounters on the Guinea Coast: Reflections on Colonization and the Slave Trade. The Reuvensgagen, 2023 (The Netherlands Archaeological Conference). Theme: The Colonial and Slavery Past of the Netherlands in Ghana and the Caribbean – Held at the City of Hoorn, Netherlands (16-17 November 2023).
  4. Samuel Nkumbaan (2023). Archaeology and Heritage Studies: New Partner in Ghana’s Sustainable Tourism Development? School of Arts Colloquium. Theme: Rethinking West African Environment: An Arts and Humanities Perspective. August 10-12, 2023. University of Ghana.
  5. Samuel Nkumbaan and Jonathan Ampofo Manu (2023). Development and Cultural Impact Assessment: The Case of Cardinal Resources Ltd. Gold Mining Concession in the Tongo District of the Upper East Region. (ibid).
  6. Samuel Nkumbaan and Solomon Obi (2023). The Concept of Open-Air Museum in Heritage Documentation, Preservation and Education: The Case Study of Rabito Spot, Pokuase-Afiamah, Accra. (ibid).
  7. Samuel Nkumbaan (2023). The Challenges and Possibilities of Restitution Claims: Selected Case Studies. MIASA Workshop. Theme: Restitution, Museums, and Cultural Policies in West Africa. Held at University of Ghana, Legon. June 22, 2023.
  8. Samuel Nkumbaan (2023). The State of Archaeological Research in Ghana: A Brief History and Prospect. Museum of West African Arts – DAI Inaugural Field Archaeology Seminar. Theme: Futures of Archaeology: Contemporary Issues and Challenges in Archaeology and Heritage Management in West Africa – Held in Benin City, Nigeria – September 12-13, 2023.
  9. Nkumbaan, S. and Kwabena Darko Akuamoah (2021). Tourism’s Impacts. A conference presentation at the E. P. University College, Ho
  10. Nkumbaan, S. (2018). Archaeological Investigations at Tando Faugsa, Komaland, Northern Ghana. University of Rochester, NY, USA. April 11, 2018
  11. Nkumbaan, S. (2018). A Brief Guide to Ghana: History, Culture and Heritage. University of Rochester, NY, USA. April 11, 2018 
  12. Nkumbaan, S. (2018). Archaeological Investigations at Tando Faugsa, Komaland, Northern Ghana. Syracuse University, NY, USA. April 27, 2018
  13. Nkumbaan, S. (2016). Poster Presentation: Archaeology meets Biomedicine: Perspectives of Indigenous Medical Practices from Archaeological and Ethnographic Data, Northern Ghana. Ghana Biomedical Convention Conference, August 2-4, 2016, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho.
  14. Siaw Appiah-Adu & Samuel N. Nkumbaan (2016). “Archaeology in the “Overseas”, Northern Region – Ghana: Challenges and Prospects”. 2nd International Research Conference on Promoting Humanities Research for Development in Africa, College of Humanities, University of Ghana. 15 – 17 June 2016
  15. Nkumbaan, S. (2015). Archaeological Investigations at Tando Fagusa, Komaland, Northern Ghana. Symposium for University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS), African Studies Centre, University of Michigan, USA. February 5, 2015
  16. Nkumbaan, S. (2014). Archaeological Investigations at Tando Fagusa, Komaland, Northern Ghana. Academic Seminar, University of Michigan Museums Anthropology Brown Bag, University of Michigan, USA. October 9, 2014
  17. Nkumbaan, S. (2014). Museum Collections Make Connections: The Case of Koma Land Archaeological Research. International Museum Day Lecture, Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), National Museum, Accra. 21st May 2014
  18. Nkumbaan, S. (2013). Ghana’s Quest for Sustainable Tourism Development: The Role of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. Conference on “Archaeology and Heritage Management in Ghana”, organized by the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. 12-13th September 2013.
  19. Nkumbaan, S. (2012). Archaeology and Heritage Studies: A New Partner in Ghana’s Sustainable Tourism Development? Spain-Ghana Workshop on Archaeology, Heritage and Tourism Development, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. October 30, 2012
  20. Nkumbaan, S (2011). Archaeological Investigations at Tando Fagusa, Northern region, Ghana. Academic Lecture, School of Histories, Arts and Culture, University of Manchester, U.K. 16th May 2011
  21. Kankpeyeng, B. & Nkumbaan, S. (2010), Archaeology, Cosmology and the African Ritual Past: Interpreting the Corpus of Ancient Ceramic Figurines from Yikpabongo and Tando-Fagusa, Koma Land, Northern Ghana. Joint Meeting of 13th Congress of the Panafrican Archaeological Association for Prehistory and Related Studies – PAA and 20th Meeting of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists – SAFA, Dakar, Senegal. 1-7 November 2010
  22. Nkumbaan, S. (2009). Archaeological Investigations at Tando-Fagusa: A Preliminary Report. Friday Noon Lecture Series, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, University of Ghana, Legon. 20th February 2009
  23. Nkumbaan, S (2008). Defining Archaeology in Ghana: A Historical Interpretation. Workshop on “Coping with Academic Dependency: How?” by Asian Development Research Institute and sponsored by SEPHIS; 4th-7th February 2008, India
  24. Nkumbaan, S (2007). Burial Mounds or Shrines? Koma Terracotta Sites Revisited, Northern Ghana. Friday Noon Lecture Series, Department of Archaeology, University of Ghana, Legon. 7 September 2007
  25. Nkumbaan, S (2007). Burial Mounds or Shrines? Koma Terracotta Sites Revisited, Northern Ghana. University of Copenhagen, Denmark. 10 November 2007
  26. Nkumbaan, S (2006). Public Policy and Archaeology in Ghana. Conference on the State of Archaeology and Heritage Management in Ghana by the Department of Archaeology and the British Council, Accra. August 9-11, 2006

 

HONORS AND AWARDS

  1. 2024: The Mellon-Funded Re-Invigorating Humanities Research at the University of Ghana (REHURE-UG)
  2. 2018: Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Rochester, New York. 
  3. 2014/2015: Fellowship: University of Michigan African Presidential Scholarship (UMAPS), University of Michigan, USA
  4. 2008/2009: Ghana- Denmark Archaeological (GDArch) Research Project Fellowship
  5. 2010: University of Ghana Graduate Research Grant, School of Research and Graduate Studies, University of Ghana, Legon
  6. 2000: Certificate, Merrick Posnansky Prize for the Best Graduating Student in Archaeology (Undergraduate).
  7. 1997/98: Certificate of Honour, Member, Hall Week Planning Committee, Akuafo Hall, University of Ghana, Legon.
  8. 1997/98: Certificate of Honour, Member of the Traditional Council, Akuafo Hall, University of Ghana, Legon
  9. 1997/98: Certificate of Honour, E-Upper Floor, Akuafo Hall, University of Ghana, Legon.1995-
  10. 1999: Certificate of Dedicated Service to International Movement of Catholic Students (Pax Romana), University of Ghana, Legon.

 

CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS

Applied Archaeology, Development-Led Archaeology, Heritage Tourism, Archaeology of Complex Societies, Cognitive Archaeology, Art Historic Studies, Ethno-archaeology, Public Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Environmental Archaeology, and Biodiversity and Biocultural Heritage Conservation. The history and culture of the Konkomba of Northern Ghana is also one area of focus.

 

SELECTED WORKSHOP PARTICIPATIONS

2023: Resource Person; Training of Lawyers of Member States on Restitution Procedures and Validation of the ECOWAS Action Plan 2019-2023 on the Return of Cultural Property by Heritage DGs. Department of Education, Science and Culture, ECOWAS Commission, held in Accra (July 10 – 15, 2023)

2021: UNESCO Training Workshop for the Preparation of Management Plans for Ghana’s Forts and Castles

2013    Selection Workshop for Exhibition of Figurines from Koma Land: Fragmentary Ancestors. Participating Institutions: University of Ghana, University of Manchester and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, University of Ghana 

2013    Writing Workshop/Penal Design for Exhibition of Figurines from Koma Land: Fragmentary Ancestors. Participating Institutions: University of Ghana, University of Manchester and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, University of Ghana

OTHER ACADEMIC WORKS

Papers in Press and preparation/progress

  1. Kwabena Akurang-Parry, Samuel Nkumbaan & Albert Larbi. (In press). ‘The Difficulty of Keeping the Public Records in Good Condition’ in the Gold Coast during the Era of Abolition. (Submitted to – African Economic History)
  2. Kwabena Akurang-Parry & Samuel Nkumbaan. (In press). “Water in Abundance to Use…They were Deprived of that…the Building of Pipe-Borne Water in the Colonial Capital of Accra (Ghana) and African Perspectives, 1910 to Ca 1929” (Submitted to – Water History)
  3. Biveridge Fritz & Nkumbaan Samuel (In press). Non-Dietary uses of Molluscs among the Coastal Dangme of Ghana: Perspectives from Surface Surveys and Ethnographic Investigations. (Submitted to – Legon Journal of Humanities)
  4. Elvis K. Tiburu, Benjamin W. Kankpeyeng, Thomas J. Webster, Samuel N. Nkumbaan, Ali A. Salifu, and Jianqin Zhuang: Ferrous Chamosite Clay from an Archaeological Context Enhances Bone Cell Adhesion and Proliferation In vitro (In Press).
  5. Elvis K. Tiburu, Benjamin W. Kankpeyeng, Thomas J. Webster, Samuel N. Nkumbaan, Ali A. Salifu, and Jianqin Zhuang: Differential Biological Activity of an Archaeological Clay and Ethnographic Medical Clay Material on Bone cells Growth: Implications on Fetal Development.  (In Press)
  6. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (In Preparation): Public Policy and Archaeology in Ghana
  7. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (In Preparation): Archaeology of Mortuary Practice in Northern          Ghana: The case of Tando Fagusa, Komaland, Northern Ghana
  8. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (In Preparation): Archaeology of Religion and Ritual Practices: Evidence from Tando Fagusa, Northern Ghana
  9. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (In Preparation): Discard Behaviour among the Konkomba of Gbadagbam, Northern Ghana: Archaeological Implications
  10. Samuel N. Nkumbaan, Kankpeyeng, W. Benjamin & Mohammed Mustapha (In Preparation): The Disregard for Archaeological Heritage in Ghana in the 21st Century: Ineffectual Heritage Policies or What? 
  11. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (In Preparation): Socio-Political Complexity in Sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Tando Fagusa, Komaland, Northern Ghana
  12. Samuel N. Nkumbaan (In Preparation): Terracotta Sculpture Traditions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives from Komaland, Northern Ghana.

 

MUSEUM EXHIBITS

2013    Insoll, T., Kankpeyeng, B., Nkumbaan, S., and Saako, M. (2013). Exhibition Brochure on Figurines from Koma Land, Ghana: Fragmentary Ancestors. The Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, UK

2010    Current Archaeological Research in Ghana. The Koma Section, Museum of Archaeology, University of Ghana, Legon. 

 

 

GRANT SUPPORT

2024:               The Mellon Funded Re-Invigorating Humanities Research at the University of Ghana (REHURE-UG)

January 2018: Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Rochester, New York, USA

 

2014/2015:      Fellowship, University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars UMAPS) Program.

2010:              Research Grant, University of Ghana Graduate Research Grant, Office of Research Innovation and Development (ORID).

2008:               Research Grant, Ghana-Denmark Archaeological Project (GDARCH), DANIDA

2007:               Research Grant, Ghana-Denmark Archaeological Project (GDARCH), DANIDA.

2007:               Visiting Fellowship for a Three-week course in Danish Archaeology and Heritage

Management, Saxo Institute of Archaeology, University of Copenhagen; Ghana-Denmark Archaeological Project (GDARCH), DANIDA. 

2006:               Research Grant, National Commission on Culture, Accra, Ghana

2001:               Research Grant, International Slave Route Project; UNESCO

2001-2002:      Thesis Grant and Bursary, Ghana Government

 

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS

West Africa Archaeological Association (WAAA)

Pan-African Archaeological Association (PANAF)

Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAfA)

Ghana Studies Council (GSC)