Second Occupant of Kwame Nkrumah Endowed Chair in African Studies Bids Farewell to IAS and UG

Prof. Emeritus Jacob U. Gordon

The second occupant of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies, Professor Emeritus Jacob U. Gordon has bid farewell to the Institute of African Studies (IAS) as well as the University of Ghana, Legon at the end of a successful tenure. The ceremony, held in honour of the outgoing occupant was also an occasion to launch his latest book, African Traditional Leadership: Past, Present and Future.

In a farewell address titled “My African Journey,” Prof. Emeritus Gordon outlined research activities he had conducted over the three year period as well as proposals for the advancement of the Institute, lessons he had learned and challenges for the future. He stressed the need for strategic research funding and capacity building in support of the core mandate of IAS which is researching into Africa and the Diaspora so as to position African Studies globally. He called for the africanization of all disciplines as dreamed by the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and urged IAS researchers to consider conducting continental studies, publishing books in addition to articles, and ensuring that recent IAS research initiatives are sustained. Further, he advocated for the culture of respect as well as the need to reward staff for productivity.

Prof. Emeritus Gordon used the occasion to express appreciation to the Director as well as Fellows and staff of the Institute for their support during his tenure. He was especially grateful to the Director for her contribution in seeing an African Studies Association of Africa duly inaugurated during the IAS international conference held in 2013 to mark the Institute’s 50th anniversary. Professor Emeritus Gordon also expressed gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited for its continued financial support towards the Chair, as well as to other individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of his tenure.

Director of the IAS, Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo

In brief welcome remarks, the Director of the Institute, Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, said following efforts by successive IAS directors, the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies was established in 2007 with core funding from AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited. She added that the Chair was established in honour of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, for his significant intellectual contributions to African thought, and for his vision and commitment to the liberation and development of Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora. The first occupant of the Chair was Prof. Kofi Anyidoho.

On behalf of the Institute, Prof. Adomako Ampofo made a presentation to Prof. Emeritus Gordon and thanked him for his level of commitment, generosity and immense support to the Institute. She mentioned especially his efforts in seeing the IAS archives revamped.

Prof. Kofi Asare Opoku

The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Kofi Asare Opoku, Vice-President of the Africa University College of Communications Accra, and a former Acting Director of the Institute. In brief remarks to launch the African Traditional Leadership: Past, Present and Future, Professor Asare Opoku congratulated the outgoing occupant for a successful tenure, and wished him more years of distinguished service to the present generation.  

Commenting on his book, Professor Emeritus Gordon advocated for a dual system of governance in Africa, and stressed the need to support chieftaincy in Ghana..

On behalf of University Management, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Development (ORID), Professor John Gyapong, congratulated Professor Emeritus Gordon for his latest publication as well as for conducting research and providing leadership and mentorship as expected. Professor Gyapong observed that the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies is the most visible of the three UG endowed Chairs, which were set up to promote research, leadership and mentorship.

The Chief Executive of Smartline Publishers, Mr. Elliot Agyare called for a stronger collaboration between academia and the local publishing industry.

The Ghana Dance Ensemble was in attendance with a special performance in praise of Professor Emeritus Gordon.

From left: Ms. Mavis Addotey, Senior Assistant Registrar, IAS; Mr. Elliot Agyare, CEO, Smartline Publishers; Prof Akosua Adomako Ampofo, Director, IAS; Prof. Kofi Asare Opoku, Former Director IAS and Vice-President, AUCC; Prof John Gyapong, Pro-VC, ORID; Mrs. Juliet Manteaw-Kutin, Head of Legal, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana; Mr. Fred Attakumah, Managing Director, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana; Mr. John Owusu, Head Corporate Affairs, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited

A section of guests at the event