The Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa (MIASA) recently hosted its third Anton Wilhelm Amo Lecture, focusing on "Building African Ecologies of Knowledge." The event aimed to facilitate intellectual discourse and contribute to the development of African knowledge systems.
Championing the legacy of Anton Wilhelm Amo, the first African to earn a doctorate in Europe in the 18th century, the lecture series provides a platform for exploring and celebrating African contributions to global knowledge.
The lecturer for the 2023 edition, which is the third lecture in the series, was Prof. Felwine Sarr, a Senegalese philosopher, economist, writer, and musician based at Duke University.
Dignitaries at the lecture, including Prof. Felwine Sarr (Right)
Prof. Sarr underscored the importance of reintegrating African knowledge into universities across the continent. He emphasised the need to Africanise teaching methods to effectively address local challenges, asserting that this approach could enhance the relevance of African intellectual work globally.
The former occupant of the Anne-Marie Bryan Chair in French and Francophone Studies at Duke University urged African governments to prioritise investment in knowledge production within the education system to tackle prevalent social and economic issues. Prof. Sarr pointed out the significance of diverse forms of knowledge beyond traditional university and scientific realms, encouraging Africans to explore opportunities in such knowledge bases.
Discussing the role of knowledge in economies, innovation, and technology, Prof. Sarr advocated for investing in and exploring diverse forms of knowledge. He cited the ecological crisis as an example, stressing the need for specialised knowledge to support African farmers and agriculture in adapting to challenges.
Ahead of the presentation by Prof. Sar, Chairperson for the occasion and Director of the Institute of African Studies, Prof. Samuel Ntewusu in his introductory remarks stated that, “The lecture will enable us to think holistically and gain deeper insights into this very matter.”
The Ghana Director of MIASA Dr. Grace Diabah, expressed gratitude for the collaboration that made the event possible. She highlighted Amo’s life as a reminder of German-Ghanaian interconnections and inspiration for decentralising knowledge production.
Outgoing German Director of MIASA, Dr. Susann Baller
Outgoing German Director of MIASA, Dr. Susann Baller, for her part was optimistic that the lecture would provoke contemplation on knowledge production settings, geopolitics, and academia’s recognition of diverse forms of knowledge.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities, representing the Vice- Chancellor, articulated the significance of the lecture within the context of the University of Ghana’s 75th anniversary. He expressed appreciation to MIASA for the pivotal role the Institute has played in fostering discussions on knowledge production in Africa.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost of the College of Humanities
The annual Anton Wilhelm Amo Lecture, initiated in 2021, aligns with MIASA's commitment to making African thinking relevant globally, addressing questions of decolonising knowledge production and epistemic justice in the humanities and social sciences. It is organised in collaboration with the Institute of African Studies and the Department of Philosophy and Classics at the University of Ghana.
MIASA, serving as a hub for exchange, networking, and collaboration among researchers from Germany, Ghana, and around the globe, contributes significantly to discussions on the role of knowledge in Africa.
Notable attendees included Dr. Chika Mba from the Institute of African Studies, Sivine Jansen from the German Embassy Ghana, Dr. Richmond Kwesi from the Department of Philosophy and Classics, Prof. Abena Oduro, MIASA Executive Council Chair, as well as students from the University.
