Author: Vincent Amedzake

The 2024 general elections in Ghana were as eventful as they were historic. From the eventual outcome of John Dramani Mahama being elected for a second return to the presidency to Ghana getting its first female vice president-elect, the list is endless. But beyond the many reports on screen, online, and on-air lies a beautiful untold story. I believe I speak for many colleagues or colleague journalists when I say that covering Election 2024 was not merely a test of professionalism but a testament to the power of collaboration over competition. Let me start by saying that covering an election…

A recent study has revealed worrying gender disparities among forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) in Ghana, highlighting the heightened vulnerabilities of women and girls. The research, led by Prof. Mary B. Setrana, IDRC Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa and Director of the Centre of Migration Studies based at the University of Ghana and her team, details the economic struggles, security risks, and social barriers facing displaced women. The study, which surveyed 493 displaced persons, found that young females are the most vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV), with 48% of respondents identifying them as at risk. Another 13%…

Migration has long been a complex force in global economies and continues to present both opportunities and challenges to many nations. A new study is offering a new perspective on how the pressing issues of the unemployment crisis in Ghana and Germany’s acute shortage of skilled workers can be addressed through strategic and well-coordinated migration. The study, launched in October 2024, dubbed “GIZ Matching Study on Potential and Processes of Labor Migration from Ghana to Germany” shines a light on how strategic labor migration can be a win-win for both countries, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and development. Ghana’s…

The growing impacts of climate change and forced displacement are among the most pressing challenges facing our world today. These crises intersect and amplify each other, creating complex scenarios that deeply affect the lives of millions, especially in vulnerable regions. As communities contend with the effects of climate-driven displacement, socio-economic upheavals, and gender-based inequalities, the role of research becomes indispensable in guiding policymakers and development practitioners to make informed, impactful decisions. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced approach, informed by local contexts and strengthened by data-backed solutions. In light of these urgent needs, the Centre for Migration Studies (CMS) at…

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2024 comes with a timely theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This triennial theme (2024-2026), along with the call to action “Start the Conversation,” encourages breaking the silence surrounding suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the need for open dialogue, destigmatization, and policies that prioritize mental health in suicide prevention. This article connects these global directives with research findings in Ghana, especially highlighting the neglected issue of child suicide and the role of community-based initiatives like the Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in preventing suicide. Suicide Among Children: An Overlooked Crisis One of…

A birthday reflection Life isn’t really what we once imagined,Neither the visions of childhood, bright and enchanted,Nor the images painted by others so clear,But something far deeper, a path to revere. It’s about learning and growing, in constant flow,Unlearning, relearning, and letting go.Through experiences, we gather our strength,Building resilience, at any length. It’s about dreaming, though dreams may fade,Knowing not all will come true, but still they’re made.We dream regardless, because that’s what we do—Even in knowing, some won’t come through. Lower your expectations with care and grace,For desires don’t always fit into place.The reality we seek may not be…

PC: AEFJN In April of this year, I took part in the 2024 Refocus: An Online Summer Forced Migration in Africa Workshop Series. It was an enlightening and enriching experience that provided valuable insights into the complexities and challenges surrounding forced migration in Africa. The series, organized by the Refugee Law Initiative, University of London, in collaboration with the Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana, and other esteemed partners like the IDRC, has been instrumental in fostering knowledge, critical thinking, and capacity-building among early career and emerging scholars in the field. The series was structured around four key sessions,…

Collaboration is key for amplifying impact, promoting sustainable change, and addressing complex social issues, particularly in empowering women in marginalized situations. This is evident in the current collaborative efforts of the Network of Women in Growth Ghana (NEWIG Ghana) and The Coca-Cola Foundation, which have significantly impacted over 150 women across two urban centers, Accra and Sekondi-Takoradi with Kumasi and Tamale to be reached. These training programs are part of a broader initiative designed to uplift women, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), through skills acquisition and start-up support, enabling them to achieve economic independence and improve their livelihoods. Two Training…

More than 20 African mobility scholars recently convened in Ghana for the first-ever South-South Migration Network conference, where they committed to rethinking and challenging the prevailing narratives surrounding migration in the Global South. The two-day event held from August 6-7, 2024, brought together migration academics, researchers, and activists from across the continent, aiming to decentralize knowledge production and promote locally relevant, globally impactful research. The conference, coordinated by the Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana and the University of Cape Town, saw participation from countries including Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. The…

Prof. Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquah, a renowned researcher in genetics and sickle cell disease, has been appointed to head Georgia’s Solve Sickle Cell Initiative in the United States. This role places him at the forefront of global efforts to find new treatments and cures for sickle cell disease, a condition that affects millions worldwide, particularly in Africa. His appointment is expected to bring significant advancements in sickle cell research and treatment, offering hope to those battling the disease. This appointment was made by the Georgia Research Alliance. As a global educator and researcher, Prof. Ofori-Acquah has established research centres both in…