The Centre for Migration Studies (CMS-UG) at the University of Ghana is pleased to announce that it will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in 2026. To commemorate this important milestone, the Centre will host a year-long series of activities highlighting two decades of excellence in migration scholarship, policy engagement, and transformative partnerships.
Established in 2006, CMS-UG has distinguished itself as a leading institution in migration research and education on the African continent. Over the years, the Centre has played a pivotal role in shaping migration policy, strengthening global collaborations, and influencing public discourse on human mobility in Africa and beyond.
Anchored on the theme
“CMS @ 20: Celebrating Migration Scholarship, Partnerships and the Future of Mobility,”
the anniversary will honour the Centre’s legacy while providing a platform to chart its future direction. The celebrations will recognise pioneering scholars, partners, alumni, and practitioners whose contributions have shaped the growth of CMS-UG, while reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to advancing migration studies through innovation, inclusivity, and impact.
Throughout 2026, CMS-UG will roll out a rich programme of academic, cultural, and policy-focused activities reflecting its multidisciplinary approach and sustained engagement with national, regional, and international migration dynamics.
Key Anniversary Events
January 27–29, 2026
20th Anniversary Launch and Workshop
The anniversary celebrations will officially commence with a grand launch and workshop at the University of Ghana. This flagship event will feature keynote addresses, policy dialogues, panel discussions, and exhibitions showcasing two decades of research, training, and policy impact by CMS-UG and its partners.
April 22, 2026
Evening of Change: Rethinking Migration Engagement with the Youth
In collaboration with partners, CMS-UG will host an evening dialogue with university students, alumni, and current students of the Centre. The event will focus on migration governance, human mobility, and sustainable development, while highlighting the Centre’s enduring engagement with young people in shaping migration discourse in Africa.
April 22–24, 2026
Rethinking Engagement Between Migration, Research, Policies and Practices
This two-day international conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches to migration engagement as Africa confronts contemporary challenges and works towards a sustainable future.
November 14, 2026
Health and Migration Sensitisation Walk
CMS-UG will organise a public sensitisation walk from the Ayi-Mensah Toll Booth to Aburi to raise awareness of the interlinkages between health and migration.
November 16–20, 2026
Anniversary Climax: Public Float, Fair, Exhibition and Migration Conference
In partnership with the African Union (AU), the anniversary year will culminate in a vibrant public float, a community fair featuring interactive activities, an exhibition highlighting the Centre’s research and impact, and an international Migration Conference on the future of mobility in Africa. The conference will examine key and emerging issues, including humanitarian migration, climate mobility, digital transformation, and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Reflections from the Director
Commenting on the significance of the anniversary, the Director of the Centre and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Mary B. Setrana, described the celebration as an important moment for reflection and renewal.
“For us as a Centre, this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on our journey, appreciate how far we have come, and reaffirm our direction for the years ahead. We are proud to have served as a bridge between research, policy, and practice, contributing to migration scholarship, policy development, and capacity-building across the African continent.”
She added that the anniversary will also serve as a platform to deepen dialogue and partnerships:
“We are confident that this milestone will enable us to renew our forward-looking vision, strengthen evidence-based engagement, deepen meaningful partnerships, and expand our collaboration with stakeholders across Africa as we continue to respond to the evolving mobility landscape and promote migration as a driver of development and transformation.”
Additional Activities
Other activities planned for the anniversary year include documentary exhibitions, alumni spotlights, publications, media features, public lectures, policy dialogues, student engagement sessions, and community outreach programmes. These initiatives aim to deepen public understanding of migration and its role in development and human progress.
CMS-UG warmly invites scholars, practitioners, students, partners, and members of the public to join in celebrating this historic milestone and to participate in activities throughout the anniversary year.
The Centre reaffirms its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and policy influence, while leveraging partnerships to strengthen capacity, collaboration, and impact as it looks toward an exciting future for migration scholarship in Africa and globally.
Contact for Inquiries and Participation
The Anniversary Planning Committee
Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana
📧 Email: info.cms@ug.edu.gh
Read more articles
- Log in to post comments