The Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, remembers and honours the life, scholarship, mentorship and enduring institutional legacy of the late Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin.

The passing of Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin marked a profound loss to the Department of Political Science, the University of Ghana and the wider academic and democratic community in Ghana. A distinguished political scientist, committed Nkrumahist, public intellectual, activist and institutional builder, Professor Ninsin was one of the most influential figures in the history of the Department. His life was defined by intellectual courage, academic rigour, principled engagement with public affairs and an extraordinary commitment to mentoring generations of scholars.

In recognition of his immense contributions and to celebrate a life that left an indelible mark on the Department and the nation, the Department of Political Science held a special Day of Tribute in his memory on 1 October 2026. The solemn but deeply meaningful occasion brought together faculty members, distinguished academics, civil society leaders, former students, colleagues, friends and admirers to mourn his passing, reflect on his remarkable life and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.

It was a gathering of remembrance, gratitude and reflection: an opportunity for a community he helped build to pay its respects to one of its most cherished pillars.

A Foundational Pillar of the Department

Professor Ninsin's contribution to the institutional development of Political Science at the University of Ghana was eloquently captured by former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, who reflected on the Department's foundational intellectual leadership with the memorable observation:

"Folson founded it, Kofi Drah nourished it, and Kwame Ninsin became Emeritus of what they established."

This powerful tribute encapsulates the place Professor Ninsin occupied in the Department's history. He was not simply an academic who taught courses and conducted research; he was an institutional builder whose intellectual leadership, professional commitment and personal investments helped shape the Department's identity, academic culture and traditions.

His influence was evident in his ability to recognise academic talent, nurture emerging scholars, promote collegiality and contribute to the development of a vibrant intellectual community. The Department he leaves behind bears the imprint of his dedication, vision and commitment to academic excellence.

A Mentor Whose Influence Transcended Generations

Perhaps one of the most enduring aspects of Professor Ninsin's legacy was his exceptional commitment to mentorship. He invested deeply in the academic and professional development of colleagues and students, recognising the importance of nurturing future generations of scholars.

He was particularly intentional about encouraging and advancing women in academia. Among the scholars whose professional journeys benefited from his mentorship were Dr Beatrice Allah-Mensah, Dr Maame Gyekye-Johnson and Professor Rosina Foli. His deliberate investment in their development reflected his understanding of the importance of expanding opportunities, strengthening academic leadership and building an inclusive intellectual community.

His mentorship extended beyond formal academic supervision. He took a genuine interest in the welfare and personal circumstances of students, offering practical assistance, career guidance and encouragement. He challenged young researchers to look beyond narrow academic boundaries, engage with broader scholarly conversations and confront the structural realities shaping political and social life.

For the many people whose intellectual and professional journeys he influenced, his passing represents the loss of a teacher, adviser, mentor and father figure. Yet, the knowledge, values and opportunities he helped create will continue to shape their contributions to academia and society.

An Uncompromising Commitment to Academic Excellence

The Day of Tribute also brought into focus Professor Ninsin's distinctive approach to teaching and academic standards. He was a lecturer of strong convictions who believed that the university must uphold rigorous academic expectations and intellectual integrity.

He was never one to compromise academic standards in pursuit of student popularity. His often-recalled assertion that "getting a C is also a grade" reflected his conviction that academic assessment must be guided by fairness, consistency and established standards. For him, the course outline was a serious academic commitment, and its requirements were to be respected.

However, his insistence on academic discipline was complemented by a genuine concern for students. He understood that the responsibilities of an academic extended beyond the classroom. His willingness to assist students facing personal difficulties, provide career guidance and encourage their intellectual development demonstrated a profound commitment to education as both an academic and human responsibility.

A Public Intellectual and Defender of Democratic Governance

Beyond the University, the late Professor Ninsin was an influential voice in Ghana's political and democratic discourse. He believed that scholarship carried a responsibility to interrogate power, expose structural inequalities and contribute to the advancement of democratic governance.

Throughout his intellectual career, he remained committed to the defence of academic freedom, critical inquiry and the responsibility of scholars to speak truth to power. His interventions on state capture, corruption, electoral governance and the prevention of political violence reflected his conviction that political science must remain relevant to the practical challenges confronting society.

His scholarly contributions, including his important work, The Corrupt Elites: Anatomy of Power and Wealth in Ghana, demonstrate his sustained engagement with the relationship between political power, economic interests and public accountability.

He was, in every sense, a scholar in active service of society: one who understood that the university must not isolate itself from the realities of the nation but must contribute meaningfully to understanding and addressing them.

A Gathering of Remembrance and Reflection

The Day of Tribute was attended by members of the Department, distinguished academics, civil society leaders and individuals whose personal and professional lives had been touched by Professor Ninsin. Among the distinguished personalities present were Professor Kwame Karikari and Dr Emmanuel Akwetey of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), alongside generations of scholars, colleagues and admirers.

The gathering provided an opportunity for heartfelt reflections on his intellectual contributions, personal values, institutional leadership and enduring influence. It also served as a reminder of the profound connections he built throughout his lifetime and the many lives enriched by his generosity, mentorship and commitment to scholarship.

For the Department, the occasion was particularly significant. It represented an opportunity to collectively mourn the loss of a distinguished colleague, acknowledge his immeasurable contributions and reaffirm the institutional values for which he stood.

His Legacy Lives On

The death of Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin leaves a void that will be deeply felt within the Department of Political Science and the wider academic community. Yet, his life offers an enduring testament to what one individual can accomplish through scholarship, principled leadership, mentorship and service.

He leaves behind more than academic publications, professional accomplishments and institutional milestones. He leaves behind generations of scholars he mentored, intellectual traditions he helped establish, academic standards he defended and a legacy of courageous engagement with the political and social realities of Ghana.

As the Department remembers him, it does so with profound gratitude for a life of extraordinary contribution and with the conviction that his ideas, values and institutional influence will continue to inspire generations to come.

The Department of Political Science, University of Ghana, mourns the passing of Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin and honours his enduring contributions to scholarship, institutional development, mentorship and democratic governance.

Rest in power, Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin. Your legacy lives on.