The Centre for Migration Studies at the University of Ghana (CMS-UG) is pleased to announce that it will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2026. To mark this important landmark, CMS-UG will host a year-long celebration that highlights its two decades of excellence in migration scholarship, policy engagement and transformative partnerships. 

Since its establishment in 2006, the Centre has distinguished itself as a leader in migration research and education on the African continent. It has also shaped migration policy, enhanced global collaboration and influenced public discourse on human mobility in Africa and beyond.

Anchored on the theme “CMS @ 20: Celebrating Migration Scholarship, Partnerships and the Future of Mobility,” the anniversary will honour the legacy of the Centre while providing a platform to chart its future direction. The celebration will recognise pioneering scholars, partners, alumni and practitioners who have contributed to the growth of CMS-UG. It will also reaffirm the commitment of the Centre to advance migration studies through innovation, inclusivity and impact.

Throughout 2026, CMS-UG will roll out a rich programme of academic, cultural and policy-focused activities. These activities will reflect the multidisciplinary approach of the Centre and its engagement with national, regional and international migration dynamics.

Key Events
•   January 27–29, 2026 - 20th Anniversary Launch and Workshop
The anniversary celebrations will officially begin with a grand launch and workshop at the University of Ghana. This flagship event will feature keynote addresses, policy dialogue, panel discussions and exhibitions that portray two decades of research, training and policy impact of CMS-UG and its partners.

•    April 22, 2026 - Evening of Change: Rethinking Migration Engagement with the Youth
In collaboration with its partners, CMS-UG will host an evening event dedicated to dialogue and collaboration with university students, alumni and students of the Centre on migration governance, human mobility and sustainable development. The event will also spotlight the enduring relationship between CMS-UG and the youth in advancing migration discourse in Africa.

•    April 22–24, 2026 - Rethinking Engagement Between Migration, Research, Policies and Practices
In collaboration with partners, CMS-UG will host a two-day international conference that brings together practitioners, researchers and policymakers to explore new approaches to migration engagement as Africa addresses contemporary challenges and seeks a sustainable future.

•    November 14, 2026 – Health and Migration Sensitisation Walk
CMS-UG will organise a public sensitisation walk from the Ayi-Mensah toll booth to Aburi to raise awareness of the links 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 vibrant public float, a community fair featuring interactive activities, an exhibition highlighting research and impact of the Centre and an international Migration Conference on the future of mobility in Africa. The conference will examine existing and emerging migration issues, including humanitarian migration, climate mobility, digital transformation and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Director of the Centre and Co-Chair of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Prof. Mary B. Setrana, commenting on the purpose of the anniversary, stated that it offers the Centre an important moment to reflect, appreciate its journey and reaffirm its direction for the years ahead. She said, “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 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.” 

Other activities earmarked for the anniversary include documentary exhibitions, alumni spotlights, publications, media features, public lectures, policy dialogues, student engagement sessions and community outreach programmes. These are expected to deepen public understanding of migration and its place in development and human progress.

CMS-UG warmly invites scholars, practitioners, students, partners and members of the public to join the Centre to celebrate this historic anniversary and participate in its activities throughout the year. 

The Centre reiterates its commitment to delivering on its mandate of teaching, research and policy influence, while leveraging partnerships to build the capacity of stakeholders and communities and strengthen collaborative networks, as it looks toward an exciting future of advancing migration scholarship and impact in Africa and globally.

For inquiries and participation opportunities, please contact:

The Anniversary Planning Committee,
Centre for Migration Studies, University of Ghana.
Email: info.cms@ug.edu.gh 
Website: www.cms.ug.edu.gh