The Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana recently gathered to pay tribute to Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin, a renowned political scientist, statesman, and Nkrumahist. The ceremony, which took place on October 1, 2026, was attended by prominent figures, including Emeritus Professor Atsu Ayee, faculty members, and leading civil society figures such as Prof. Kwame Karikari and Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, who was both taught by Ninsin and taught in the Department, praised Ninsin's contributions to the growth of the Political Science department. He described Ninsin as part of a trinity that built the department, alongside Folson and Kofi Drah. Oquaye remembered Ninsin's exceptional leadership, his eye for talent, and his commitment to promoting a system of collegiality and conviviality.
Mr. F. K. Drah, a founding member of the department, fondly recalled his deep friendship with Ninsin, which dated back to 1969. He noted that Ninsin was a deliberate mentor to women scholars, including Dr. Beatrice Allah-Mensah, Dr. Maame Gyekye-Johnson, and Prof. Rosina Foli. Drah expressed sadness at Ninsin's passing but acknowledged that his legacy lives on through the department he helped build.
Prof. Kwame Boafo-Arthur, a former Head of Department, remembered Ninsin's teaching style, which emphasized critical thinking and academic rigor. Ninsin was not a populist lecturer who chased student popularity; instead, he pushed his students to think beyond the classroom. Boafo-Arthur recalled Ninsin's advice to look for an income-generating asset, which led him to Nigeria for a while.
The tributes also highlighted Ninsin's role as a public intellectual and activist. Prof. S.K.B. Asante Danso-Boafo credited Ninsin for helping publish his controversial book on former President Rawlings, an act of academic freedom. Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey recalled Ninsin's concerns about state capture of Parliament and his work on elections to prevent violence.
Dr. Mohammed Shardow, a former student and friend of Ninsin, shared his personal experience of being mentored by Ninsin. He recalled Ninsin's high expectations, his meticulous reading style, and his encouragement to look beyond the department for academic inspiration. Shardow acknowledged that Ninsin's legacy continues to inspire and influence his work.
The ceremony was a testament to Ninsin's enduring impact on the University of Ghana's Department of Political Science. As Prof. Joseph Yaro, Provost of the College of Humanities, noted, the department's excellence is largely due to men like Ninsin who built it. The department will continue to be shaped by Ninsin's commitment to academic rigor, mentorship, and public engagement.
Key points
- Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin was honoured by the University of Ghana's Department of Political Science for his contributions to the growth of the department.
- Ninsin was remembered for his exceptional leadership, his commitment to promoting a system of collegiality and conviviality, and his role as a public intellectual and activist.
- The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Emeritus Professor Atsu Ayee, faculty members, and leading civil society figures.
