Patience Gbeze
Accra, Dec. 12, GNA – The Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana (CMS-UG), will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in 2026 with year-long activities to highlight its two decades of existence in excellence migration scholarship, policy engagement and transformative partnerships.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Centre has distinguished itself as a leader in migration research and education on the African continent. It has also shaped migration policy, enhanced global collaboration and influenced public discourse on human mobility in Africa and beyond.
The anniversary will be on the theme “CMS @ 20: Celebrating Migration Scholarship, Partnership and the Future of Mobility,” and will honour the legacy of the Centre while providing a platform to chart its future direction.
It will also recognise pioneering scholars, partners, alumni and practitioners who have contributed to the growth of CMS-UG. It will also reaffirm the commitment of the Centre to advance migration studies through innovation, inclusivity and impact.
Throughout 2026, CMS-UG will roll out a rich programme of academic, cultural and policy-focused activities. These activities will reflect the multidisciplinary approach of the Centre and its engagement with national, regional and international migration dynamics.
Professor Mary B. Setrana, the Director of the Centre and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Planning Committee, said the anniversary would offer the Centre an important moment to reflect, appreciate its journey and reaffirm its direction for the years ahead.
She said, “For us as a Centre, we are proud to have served as a bridge between research, policy and practice. Over the years, we have contributed to migration scholarship, policy development and capacity-building, establishing the Centre as a leading institution in advancing migration studies across the African continent.
“We are confident that this anniversary will provide an important opportunity to renew our forward-looking vision, deepen evidence-based dialogue, strengthen meaningful partnerships and expand our engagement with stakeholders across Africa as we continue to respond to the evolving mobility landscape on the continent and promote migration as a driver of development and transformation,” she added.
Prof. Setrana reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to delivering on its mandate of teaching, research and policy influence, while leveraging partnerships to build the capacity of stakeholders and communities and strengthen collaborative networks, as it looked toward an exciting future of advancing migration scholarship and impact in Africa and globally.
The anniversary celebrations will officially begin with a grand launch and workshop at the University of Ghana in January 2026.
The flagship event will feature keynote addresses, policy dialogue, panel discussions and exhibitions that portray two decades of research, training and policy impact of CMS-UG and its partners.
This will be followed by an “Evening of Change – Rethinking Migration Engagement with the Youth” on April 22, 2026.
CMS-UG and its partners dedicated the evening event to dialogue and collaborate with university students, alumni and students of the Centre on migration governance, human mobility and sustainable development.
The event will also spotlight the enduring relationship between CMS-UG and the youth in advancing migration discourse in Africa.
The Centre in collaboration with partners will also host a two-day International Conference on “Rethinking Engagement Between Migration, Research, Policies and Practices” from April 22-24, 2026.
The Conference will bring together practitioners, researchers and policymakers to explore new approaches to migration engagement as Africa addresses contemporary challenges and seeks a sustainable future.
Other activities earmarked for the anniversary include documentary exhibitions, alumni spotlights, publications, media features, public lectures, policy dialogues, student engagement sessions and community outreach programmes.
These are expected to deepen public understanding of migration and its place in development and human progress.
The Centre urged scholars, practitioners, students, partners and members of the public to join the Centre to celebrate this historic anniversary and participate in its activities throughout the year.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie