The Department of Sociology and Anthropology has hosted its maiden public lecture aimed at creating a platform for Sociologists and Anthropologists to address the country’s socio-economic challenges and contribute to national policy dialogue.
It also aimed to raise awareness on the importance of Sociology and Anthropology across sectors.
The lecture, organised in partnership with the Du Bois Museum Foundation in Accra, was themed, “Reclaiming the Narrative: W.E.B. Du Bois – Race, Slavery, Pan-Africanism and Our Heritage.”
The Head of the Department of Social Sciences at Central University, Dr. Joseph Ocran, who delivered the keynote address, called on Africans to prioritise internal unity as a foundation for the success of the Pan-Africanism agenda.
He stressed that efforts to reconnect with the African diaspora would be futile without strong internal cohesion among Africans on the continent.
“If we cannot mend our ties within our African space, we have no business looking at connecting with those on the outside. Pan-Africanism must start from home,” he explained.
Dr. Ocran indicated that Pan-Africanism should extend beyond the US and the Caribbean to all parts of the world where people of African descent live, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where many Africans face hardship and marginalisation.
The keynote speaker also urged Africans to overcome linguistic barriers that limit unity and collaboration.
“We must look beyond our linguistic comfort zones to reach those places we have traditionally ignored,” he said.
Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro with members of the newly launched W. E. Du Bois and Pan Africanism Club
Speaking at the event, Prof. De-Valera N.Y.M. Botchway of the Department of History and Diplomacy, UCC, lauded Du Bois for using intellectual activism to fight racial injustice in America, despite not having personally experienced slavery.
According to him, Du Bois’s efforts to educate people of African descent urged the youth to follow his example.
A Senior Lecturer at the Sociology and Anthropology at UCC, Dr. Brempong Osei-Tutu, condemned attempts to downplay the atrocities of slavery. He stressed the importance of preserving this historical memory to guide future development.
“We live in an age where we are not dreaming. We speak of Nkrumah and other great leaders, but who are the new torchbearers?” he asked. “It is our responsibility as a department to help shape the next generation of African visionaries,” he added.
The Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology , UCC, Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro, underscored the relevance of Sociology and Anthropology to modern society.
She noted that the disciplines were often misunderstood or underappreciated but are deeply connected to all facets of life, including agriculture, health, environment, gender, politics, education, media, culture, and even the study of witchcraft.
Prof. Oduro said the focus on Du Bois was deliberate - to honour his enduring legacy in shaping African identity.
“Du Bois’s intellectual contributions offer a framework for current conversations on slavery, Pan-Africanism, and our collective heritage,” she stated.
The chairperson for the occasion, the incoming Provost for the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (CANS), Prof. Rofela Combey, emphasised the essence of preventing racial discrimination to address educational disparities and promote justice globally.
The event also saw the launch of the W. E. Du Bois and Pan Africanism Club, which focuses on empowering Africa.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC