Accra: The Governing Council of the University of Ghana has advanced Prof. Mary Boatemaa Setrana to the esteemed rank of Full Professor of Migration and Social Change. Prof. Setrana, who directs the Centre for Migration Studies (CMS), is acknowledged for her significant contributions to migration governance and social change research.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Governing Council's decision was reached during a meeting held on April 16, 2026, with the formal announcement made by Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, the Registrar of the University. Prof. Setrana also holds the position of International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Research Chair on Forced Displacement in Anglophone West Africa.
Prof. Setrana's work addresses migration governance, forced displacement, climate-related mobility, and migration policy development within Africa. Her research portfolio includes critical areas like return migration, labor migration, diaspora engagement, and gendered migration dynamics. Her influential insights have shaped scholarly debates on the migration-development nexus.
Beyond academia, Prof. Setrana's role in migration policy and governance in Ghana and Africa is notable. She has been instrumental in developing key policy instruments such as Ghana's Labour Migration Policy and diaspora engagement strategies. Her expertise has been integral to policy dialogue and capacity building efforts with governments and international organizations.
In recent years, Prof. Setrana has led initiatives supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), including the creation of a Community Engagement and Policing Strategy for the Ghana Immigration Service. She is also spearheading the review of Ghana's National Migration Policy to enhance migration governance responses to emerging challenges.
Prof. Setrana's influence extends to the continental level, where she has contributed to the African Union's efforts on migration policy. Her work includes developing gender-responsive policy modules and evaluating the AU Migration Policy Framework. Internationally, she has led research projects with partners like the EU and UKRI, addressing migration dynamics and climate change.
As the Director of the CMS at the University of Ghana, Prof. Setrana has positioned the Centre as a leading research hub. Under her leadership, the Centre has expanded its research programs and strengthened global collaborations, contributing significantly to migration policy and education.
Prof. Setrana also plays a vital role in global research networks, serving on committees such as the Scientific Committee of CODESRIA and the Advisory Board of ARUA Centre of Excellence on Migration and Mobility. Her commitment to mentorship and capacity building is evident as she continues to guide and train future migration scholars and practitioners.
The University and CMS have commended Prof. Setrana on her promotion, acknowledging her academic excellence and global impact in migration studies and policy engagement.