The Department of Psychology at the University of Ghana was established in 1967 under its founding Head, Prof. Cyril E. Fiscian. It is housed in the School of Social Sciences within the College of Humanities. Since inception, the department has grown in size and scope. Successive Heads have strengthened teaching, research, and practice-based training, and built links with industry and public institutions.

Brief History

The Department of Psychology at the University of Ghana was established in 1967 under its founding Head, Prof. Cyril E. Fiscian. It is housed in the School of Social Sciences within the College of Humanities.

Since inception, the department has grown in size and scope. Successive Heads have strengthened teaching, research, and practice-based training, and built links with industry and public institutions.

Today the department offers BA and BSc degrees in Psychology, with options for single or combined majors. Graduate training includes MPhil programmes in Clinical, Counselling, Developmental, Industrial and Organizational, and Social and Community Psychology, and a general PhD programme. All graduate students complete significant practicum hours; doctoral students undertake yearlong experiential learning across industry, clinical practice, teaching, and research.

Faculty conduct research in adolescent mental health, ageing, suicide prevention, forgiveness and mental health, and the social psychology of health and illness. Planned additions include practice-focused graduate programmes in Managerial Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Applied Social Psychology, Health Psychology, and Counselling Psychology.

Heads of Department (chronological):
C. E. Fiscian (founding); H. C. A. Bulley; J. Y. Opoku; S. A. Danquah; A. Afrifa; R. Akuamoah-Boateng; Charity S. Akotia; B. Amponsah; C. C. Mate-Kole; M. Asumeng; J. Osafo.

Vision

Be a research-led psychology department that advances knowledge and improves lives in Ghana, Africa, and the wider world, in line with the School of Social Sciences and the University’s aspirations.

Mission

Create an enabling environment for high-quality teaching, learning, and impactful research in psychology; develop competent practitioners and scholars; and work with industry, health, education, and community partners to support national and global development.

Administrative Leadership

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Professor Adote Anum

Head of Department

Prof. Adote Anum is the Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Ghana. He is a clinical psychologist and cognitive neuropsychologist whose work focuses on mental health and cross-cultural cognition, including how we measure cognition in children. His publications include studies on adolescent mental health and developmental disabilities. He leads a team committed to rigorous teaching, relevant research, and service to Ghana.

Mr. Bright Mbiri-Otchere

Administrative Assistant

Mr Bright Mbiri-Otchere is the Administrative Assistant of the Department of Psychology. He manages office operations, student enquiries, and academic records, and supports admissions, exams, and timetable coordination. He ensures smooth communication between students, faculty, and the School of Social Sciences.