Brief History

The Department of Communication Studies (DCS) was established in 1972 as the Institute of Journalism and Communication Studies, a name which changed to the School of Journalism and Communication Studies within two years of operation. Its founding objectives were to improve the practice and understanding of journalism and mass communication as well as to add to knowledge through research. In 1985, its name was changed from School of Journalism and Communication Studies to the School of Communication Studies to reflect the wider outlook of its courses.

At inception, it run two programmes, a one-year Graduate Diploma programme and a two-year Master of Arts (MA) programme. The first cohort of 10 students began their study in 1973 under the directorship of Prof. Neff Smart who later handed over to Prof. Joseph M. Ripley. In 1975, the unit had its first indigenous director, Prof. Paul Archibald Vianney Ansah. Subsequent to this, several other individuals have headed the unit including Profs Yaw Twumasi, Kwame Karikari, Kwasi Ansu-Kyeremeh, Audrey Gadzekpo and Margaret Amoakohene and Dr Anthony Bonnah Koomson. It presently runs three graduate programmes, Master of Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies. The Department supervises Bachelor’s degree programmes in four (public and private) tertiary institutions affiliated to the University. It previously also supervised the Bachelors programmes of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and Central University College until the attainment of their Charters.

The unit has evolved to its current status as a Department, following the University’s conversion from the “faculty” to the “collegiate” system in 2014. This culminated in the creation of the School of Information and Communication Studies (SICS) to oversee affairs in two academic units, the Department, headed by Dr Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, and the Department of Information Studies. The SICS, led by a dean, Prof. Akosua Darkwa, is overseen by the College of Education which is headed by a provost, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio. 

The Department has an enviable reputation within academia and industry across the continent as a centre of excellence in communication training. It continues to produce highly sought-after graduates who excel in industry, research institutions and academia. The Department also serves as the hub of robust and rigorous media and communication scholarship. Research emanating from the Department is well-received in the global knowledge community as faculty continue to be invited for lectures, presentations and discussions on global platforms, including conferences such as the International Communication Association (ICA) and the International Association of Media and Communication Research (IAMCR). Much of the research produced in the Department can be found in international journals and reports of high repute. 

Besides its achievements in scholarship, the Department boasts of notable public intellectuals who actively wade into public discourses on issues of national and international relevance. Faculty also contribute to national and international development efforts by serving on boards and committees including for UNESCO, the Media Foundation for West Africa, PANOS West Africa, and the National Media Commission. 

Topping the Department’s achievements over the last 50 years is the high calibre of graduates it has produced and their significant achievements in their chosen careers. We are honoured to have trained highly esteemed and award-winning communication professionals and scholars who contribute to development in Ghana and beyond. Among them are H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana; Honourables Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Dr. Mustapha Hamid and Nana Akomea, Ministers of state; Amb. Prof Margaret Ivy Amoakohene now Member of the Council of State; Mad. Adiki Ayitevie, Newmont Ghana’s Vice President for Sustainability and External Relations; Mad. Kathy Addy, Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education, Mad. Esther Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa, Mr. Kwaku Mensa-Bonsu, Chairman of Primetime Ltd, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and Mr. Kofi Akpabli, the only African to have won the CNN Multichoice African Journalist Award back to back.