A recent visit to the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), Ghana, provided a valuable opportunity to engage with students and faculty in meaningful discussions about the work of the Regional Studies Association and opportunities for collaboration.
The trip began with Mr Samuel McCarthy interviewing Dr Alex Holmes on the university’s campus radio station, Radio Windy Bay. The conversation centred on the opportunities for collaboration between individuals, the university and the wider Ghanaian academic community, with the regional studies community. Topics included how being part of the RSA community can foster academic exchange, opens access to global networks, and supports early-career researchers. The discussion also highlighted ways in which scholars across West Africa and beyond can work together on shared regional challenges.
In the afternoon, a seminar was hosted in collaboration with UEW’s Department of Geography, with an introduction by Dr. Kwame Odame. The event served as an introduction to the Regional Studies Association (RSA) and drew strong attendance despite coinciding with the university’s examination period. The lively seminar prompted an engaging discussion, with participants raising insightful questions about regional development, interdisciplinary research, and the role of international scholarly networks in shaping academic careers.
The visit underscored the enthusiasm and commitment of UEW staff and students to building bridges across research communities, and we were delighted to welcome Christiana Fianu, Azumah Ubeida and Barikisu Kassim into the RSA Women’s Network. The visit also reaffirmed the importance of continuing dialogue and knowledge-sharing as ways to advance regional studies in Ghana and across West Africa.
We are deeply indebted to Dr Benedict Arko, RSA Ambassador to Ghana, for all his work in organising this event.