The University of Ghana has formally installed Professor Laud Ato Quayson, a distinguished literary scholar and alumnus of the University, as the fifth occupant of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in African Studies at a ceremony held on 21 October 2026.
The installation marked another significant milestone in the University's commitment to advancing African scholarship, promoting intellectual discourse and sustaining the legacy of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The ceremony brought together members of the University community, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of public institutions, distinguished scholars and members of Dr. Nkrumah's family.
Advancing African Scholarship and Intellectual Leadership
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, welcomed Professor Quayson back to his alma mater and underscored the importance of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair in promoting African intellectual leadership and knowledge production.
She emphasised that Africa must move beyond being a consumer of knowledge to becoming an active producer of ideas, theories and perspectives that contribute meaningfully to global intellectual discourse.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that the relevance of the Chair had become even more pronounced in the face of contemporary challenges confronting Africa, stressing the need for strong African intellectual voices capable of interpreting the continent's experiences, shaping its narratives and contributing to solutions grounded in African realities.
She further highlighted the importance of intellectual confidence and the responsibility of African scholars to contribute to the production and dissemination of knowledge about the continent.
Professor Amfo noted that the significance of the Chair extended beyond the academic achievements of its individual occupants, describing it as an enduring platform for scholarship, intellectual engagement and the advancement of African thought.
She acknowledged the contributions of previous occupants, particularly Professor Amina Mama, the fourth and first female occupant, who served during the challenging COVID-19 period and organised the Chair's first virtual inaugural lecture.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the opportunities the Chair presents for students and emerging scholars to engage with distinguished intellectuals and develop their research interests. She encouraged alumni, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the initiative to ensure its continued relevance and sustainability.
Celebrating the Legacy of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair
Established at the Institute of African Studies, the Kwame Nkrumah Chair honours Dr. Nkrumah's intellectual contributions, his commitment to Pan-Africanism and his vision for the liberation and development of African peoples on the continent and in the diaspora.
The Chair also seeks to strengthen research, teaching, mentorship and public engagement in African Studies.
Professor Quayson succeeds four distinguished scholars who have occupied the position: Professor Kofi Anyidoho, Professor Jacob U. Gordon, Professor Horace Campbell and Professor Amina Mama.
Professor Quayson's Vision for the Chair
In his reflections following the installation, Professor Quayson expressed appreciation to the University for the honour and outlined his aspirations for the Chair.
He indicated his intention to promote intellectual engagement through lectures, research initiatives and forums addressing issues of importance to Africa and its diaspora.
Among the areas highlighted were the relationship between Africa and the Black diaspora, contemporary social and environmental challenges, and the need for sustained scholarly dialogue on Africa's development.
Professor Quayson also drew attention to the environmental crisis associated with illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, highlighting the importance of critical intellectual engagement with pressing national challenges.
His reflections underscored the need for curiosity, persistence and interdisciplinary approaches to scholarship, as well as the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges among academics, students and the wider public.
A Distinguished Scholar Returns to His Alma Mater
Professor Quayson is an internationally recognised scholar whose academic work spans African literature, postcolonial studies, literary theory and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding African societies.
His return to the University of Ghana as the fifth occupant of the Kwame Nkrumah Chair represents an opportunity to strengthen intellectual collaboration, advance research and provide mentorship to the next generation of African scholars.
Cultural Performances and Expressions of Appreciation
The installation ceremony featured traditional appellations and cultural performances, including a presentation by the Ghana Dance Ensemble, reflecting the rich cultural heritage associated with the Chair and its Pan-African ideals.
The programme also recognised the contributions of individuals and institutions that have supported the development and sustainability of the Chair, including AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited.
In a vote of thanks, appreciation was extended to the University Management, organisers, partners, invited guests and all who contributed to the successful organisation of the ceremony.
The installation of Professor Quayson reinforces the University of Ghana's commitment to promoting African-centred scholarship, encouraging intellectual exchange and nurturing a new generation of researchers equipped to contribute to Africa's development.