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 excellence in migration scholarship, policy engagement and transformative partnerships.
Established in 2006, CMS-UG has grown into a leading institution in migration research and education on the African continent, contributing significantly to policy development, global collaboration and public discourse on human mobility in Africa and beyond.
The year-long celebration will be held under the theme “CMS @ 20: Celebrating Migration Scholarship, Partnership and the Future of Mobility.” The anniversary will honour the Centre’s legacy while creating space to reflect on its future direction. It will recognise pioneering scholars, partners, alumni and practitioners who have contributed to the growth of CMS-UG, while reaffirming its commitment to innovation, inclusivity and impact in migration studies.
Throughout 2026, CMS-UG will host a wide range of academic, cultural and policy-oriented activities reflecting its multidisciplinary approach and engagement with national, regional and international migration dynamics.
Key Anniversary Events
January 27–29, 2026 – 20th Anniversary Launch and Workshop
The celebrations will officially commence with a grand launch and workshop at the University of Ghana, featuring keynote addresses, policy dialogues, panel discussions and exhibitions highlighting two decades of research, training and policy impact.
April 22, 2026 – Evening of Change: Rethinking Migration Engagement with the Youth
In collaboration with partners, CMS-UG will host an interactive evening session with university students, alumni and current students of the Centre, focusing on migration governance, human mobility and sustainable development.
April 22–24, 2026 – Rethinking Engagement Between Migration, Research, Policies and Practices
A two-day international conference will bring together practitioners, researchers and policymakers to explore new approaches to migration engagement as Africa confronts contemporary challenges and works toward a sustainable future.
November 14, 2026 – Health and Migration Sensitisation Walk
The Centre will organise a public sensitisation walk from the Ayi-Mensah toll booth to Aburi to raise awareness about the intersection between health and migration.
November 16–20, 2026 – Anniversary Climax: Public Float, Fair, Exhibition and Migration Conference
In partnership with the African Union (AU), the anniversary year will culminate in a public float, community fair, exhibition and an international migration conference focusing on the future of mobility in Africa. Discussions will include humanitarian migration, climate mobility, digital transformation and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Commenting on the significance of the milestone, the Director of the Centre and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Mary B. Setrana, said the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the Centre’s journey and reaffirm its vision.
“For us as a Centre, we are proud to have served as a bridge between research, policy and practice. Over the years, we have contributed to migration scholarship, policy development and capacity-building, establishing the Centre as a leading institution in advancing migration studies across the African continent,” she said.
She added, “we are confident that this anniversary will provide an important opportunity to renew our forward-looking vision, deepen evidence-based dialogue, strengthen meaningful partnerships and expand our engagement with stakeholders across Africa as we continue to respond to the evolving mobility landscape on the continent and promote migration as a driver of development and transformation.”
Additional activities planned for the anniversary year include documentary exhibitions, alumni spotlights, publications, media features, public lectures, policy dialogues, student engagement sessions and community outreach programmes aimed at deepening public understanding of migration and its role in development and human progress.
CMS-UG has invited scholars, practitioners, students, partners and members of the public to participate in the anniversary activities throughout 2026, as the Centre looks ahead to strengthening its mandate in teaching, research and policy influence while expanding collaborative networks in Africa and globally.
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