The Centre for Migration Studies (CMS), University of Ghana, has held its 20th Anniversary International Conference on the theme “Bridging the Gap? Rethinking Engagement between Migration Research, Policies and Practices.” The two-day conference took place from 23–24 April 2026 at the University of Ghana, Legon.
The conference formed part of activities marking two decades of CMS’s contribution to migration teaching, research, policy engagement and capacity building in Ghana, Africa and beyond. It brought together academics, policymakers, migration practitioners, civil society representatives, international organizations, alumni, postgraduate students and partners to reflect on how migration research can more effectively inform policy and practice.
In her welcome address, Prof. Mary Boatemaa Setrana, Director of the Centre for Migration Studies and IDRC Endowed Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa, described the anniversary as a moment of pride, reflection and renewed commitment. She paid tribute to the Centre’s founders, faculty, management, staff, students, alumni and partners for their roles in building CMS into a leading institution for African migration scholarship.
Prof. Setrana recalled that the Centre was established in 2006 under the founding leadership of Prof. Mariama Awumbila with the vision of creating an African institution dedicated to studying African migration from African perspectives. Over the past 20 years, CMS has grown significantly and now hosts MA, MPhil and PhD students, while its alumni continue to contribute to reputable institutions and organizations in Ghana, across Africa and internationally.
Speaking on the conference theme, Prof. Setrana noted that the gap between research, policy and practice remains a major challenge in migration governance. She explained that this gap is not only about communication between researchers and policymakers, but also about whose knowledge shapes decisions, whose experiences are represented, and how African evidence is used in global migration policy conversations.
The Centre’s work over the years has contributed to major national and regional policy processes, including Ghana’s migration-related policy frameworks and broader migration governance initiatives across Africa. Through research collaborations, policy advisory work, training, seminars and publications, CMS continues to support evidence-informed migration governance.
The conference also provided an opportunity to examine the future of migration scholarship in Africa. Prof. Setrana emphasized the need for stronger investment in African research capacity, greater visibility for African migration scholars, improved infrastructure for teaching and research, and deeper collaboration between universities, governments, civil society and international partners.
As CMS enters its next phase, the Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous African-centered research, doctoral training, policy engagement and the production of knowledge that supports human dignity, regional development and effective migration governance.
The CMS@20 International Conference served not only as a celebration of the Centre’s achievements, but also as a call to action for scholars and policymakers to work together in building migration policies that are grounded in evidence, context and the lived realities of people on the move.
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