African Knowledge is Authentic and Must Be Recognised in Global Discourse – Prof. Amfo at Oregon Lecture

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has called attention to the need for African scholars to reclaim knowledge production and integrate African epistemologies into global academic discourse.

Delivering a lecture at the University of Oregon’s African American Workshop and Lecture Series on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Prof. Amfo spoke on the theme “From Margins to Mainstream: Elevating African Knowledge Systems.” 

She highlighted the underrepresentation of African scholars, particularly women, in academic spaces and called for greater investment in endogenous knowledge development.

“Endogenous knowledges are critical in the framing of theories and until we recognise that and devote resources to their development, the hegemony of the Global North in knowledge creation and recognition will remain. African knowledge is authentic knowledge,” she stressed.

Prof. Amfo also explored the role of multilingualism and sociolinguistic theories in shaping knowledge systems, advocating for a more inclusive research environment that reflects Africa’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.

The event, organised by the Division of Equity and Inclusion at the University of Oregon, is part of an annual lecture series that promotes critical discussions on African and African diasporic scholarship.

The University of Ghana remains committed to advancing impactful research, strengthening global partnerships and contributing to conversations that shape knowledge production and academic collaboration.