By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana (CMS-UG) has announced plans to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades of contributions to migration scholarship, policy engagement and strategic partnerships across Africa and beyond.
The year-long celebration, themed “CMS @ 20: Celebrating Migration Scholarship, Partnership and the Future of Mobility,” will highlight the Centre’s achievements since its establishment in 2006 and provide a platform to reflect on the future of migration research and governance.
Over the past 20 years, CMS-UG has emerged as a leading institution in migration research and education on the African continent, influencing public discourse, shaping migration policies and strengthening national, regional and global collaborations on human mobility.
According to the Centre, the anniversary will honour pioneering scholars, partners, alumni and practitioners whose contributions have supported the growth and impact of CMS-UG. It will also reaffirm the Centre’s commitment to advancing migration studies through innovation, inclusivity and evidence-based engagement.
As part of the celebrations, CMS-UG will roll out a series of academic, cultural and policy-focused activities throughout 2026, reflecting its multidisciplinary approach to migration and its engagement with contemporary migration dynamics.
Key activities include a 20th Anniversary Launch and Workshop scheduled for January 27 to 29, 2026, at the University of Ghana, featuring keynote addresses, policy dialogues, panel discussions and exhibitions showcasing two decades of research, training and policy impact.
On April 22, 2026, the Centre will host “An Evening of Change,” an engagement forum with university students, alumni and partners to rethink youth participation in migration governance, human mobility and sustainable development. This will be followed by a two-day international conference from April 22 to 24, 2026, focusing on strengthening the link between migration research, policy and practice in Africa.
Other major events include a Health and Migration Sensitisation Walk from the Ayi-Mensah toll booth to Aburi on November 14, 2026, and the Anniversary Climax from November 16 to 20, 2026, featuring a public float, community fair, exhibitions and an international migration conference in partnership with the African Union.
The conference will examine issues such as humanitarian migration, climate mobility, digital transformation and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Director of the Centre and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Professor Mary B. Setrana, said the anniversary presents an opportunity for reflection and renewal. She noted that CMS-UG has served as a critical bridge between research, policy and practice, contributing significantly to migration scholarship, policy development and capacity building across Africa.
Professor Setrana added that the anniversary will help strengthen evidence-based dialogue, deepen partnerships and expand stakeholder engagement as the Centre responds to evolving mobility trends and promotes migration as a driver of development and transformation.
Additional activities planned include documentary exhibitions, alumni spotlights, publications, media engagements, public lectures, policy dialogues, student engagement sessions and community outreach programmes aimed at deepening public understanding of migration and development.
CMS-UG has invited scholars, practitioners, students, partners and the general public to participate in the anniversary activities throughout 2026, as it looks ahead to advancing migration scholarship and impact in Africa and globally.
