The Institute of African Studies was established in 1961 as a semi autonomous institute within the University of Ghana. The Institute’s mandate includes conducting research in all aspects of social studies and the arts in Africa and dissemination of the findings.

The administration of the Institute is vested in the Director assisted by a Deputy Director, Administrative Secretary and supporting staff. It is governed by three major boards and committees, namely an Advisory Board, chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, with representation from outside the University; a Management Committee and a Standing Committee. Other Committees of the Institute include the Publications, Library and Finance Committees.

The Institute undertakes fundamental and applied research in all aspects of the social studies and humanities in African, and the dissemination of research. In addition to being a research institute, it has always emphasized publishing and teaching, particularly at the post-graduate level, and also conducts programmes of lectures for all second year degree students of the University of Ghana. The fields of study and research include African Societies and Cultures; African History and Politics; Gender and Culture in African Societies; Family Studies; African Languages, Literature and Drama; African Religions and Philosophy; Media and Visual Arts; Music and Dance.

Major Research Themes

The current research focus and activities of the Institute are in the following areas:

i. Globalization and Changes in the Cultures of Survival and Care in Contemporary Africa.
ii. Innovation and Cultural Life in Africa.
iii. Place, Power, Gender and Resources.
iv. Religion and Social Life in Africa.
v. Reclaiming Knowledges in Africa.
vi. Narrativity and Performance in Africa.
vii. Media, Representation and Visual Arts.

The IAS Library

The Institute of African Studies Research Library is one of the major research libraries on African Studies in Ghana. Over the years, the library has acquired comprehensive collections that serve as a foundation for most University teaching and research programmes on the study of the history and culture of Africa, and there are ongoing efforts to build the stock of library materials and create access to wider database. The Institute’s library is one of the well-patronised libraries on the university campus with an average number of 1,500 users a week.

For further information contact:

The Director or Administrative Secretary
Institute of African Studies (IAS)
P.O.BOX LG73,
Legon, Accra
Ghana

Telephone: 233-21-513390-1
Fax: 233-21-500512
Email: iasgen@ug.edu.gh
Website: www.ug.edu.gh/ias