The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has hosted a memorable Anthropology Alumni Homecoming, bringing together former students, faculty, and current learners.
The event, themed “Anthropology in the Global Context,” aimed to facilitate networking, celebrate the Department’s achievements, and provide a platform for alumni to reconnect with the academic community.
Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro, the Head of Department (HOD), expressed her joy at the return of former students and shared optimism about the Department's direction.
“We are happy about the new developments in the Department and the expansion of Anthropology with other programmes,” she said.
Evangelist Augustine Mensah, the Anthropology Alumni President. Mr. Mensah emphasised the importance of building lasting ties between alumni and the academic community.
“We provide a platform for alumni to reconnect with faculty and students,” he noted. He also called on the gathering to “celebrate the Department’s achievements and heritage.”
Anthropology Alumni President, Mr. Augustine Mensah, presenting Prof. Georgina Oduro with her portrait
Mr. Mensah further praised the role of Anthropology in shaping global citizens. “Studying Anthropology fosters broad knowledge. Our perspectives have experienced a paradigm shift beyond social contact to view things from the perspective of others,” he emphasised.
Dr. Saibu Mutaru in a presentation titled “Doing Ethical Anthropology”, highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of Anthropology and the ethical responsibilities of anthropologists. Drawing from the American Anthropological Association’s (AAA) Principles of Professional Responsibility, Dr. Mutaru reminded practitioners to “do no harm, be open and honest with work, obtain informed consent, make results accessible, and weigh competing ethical obligations.”
In a second presentation by Prof. Karine Geoffrion of Laval University (Canada), titled “Love, Food & Bureaucracy: Fostering Care through Ethnography.” Her presentation explored the interpretive aspects of ethnographic work and the often-overlooked violence within bureaucratic systems. She challenged assumptions about the field, stating, “Anthropology is not as perceived by people. It is broader and about people and their wellbeing.”
The Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Issahaku Adams, chaired the occasion.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC