Between October 14–15, the Department of Geography and Resource Management at the University of Ghana hosted a workshop co-organized with the Center for International Research (CERI) at Sciences Po. Designed to deepen understanding of Ghana’s digital infrastructure and its societal implications, the workshop marked the launch of a collaborative research initiative supported by the French Embassy in Ghana through its Nkabom programme. Nkabom fosters scientific and technological exchange between Ghanaian and French research institutions, with a particular emphasis on engaging young researchers and doctoral students.

As part of this initiative, Prof. Laurent Fourchard and PhD candidates Joel Ansah, Michaël Bourdon, and Dan Sanaren travelled to Accra to share preliminary findings on digital infrastructures with Ghanaian colleagues. Their presentations explored the role of mobile money platforms, biometric technologies, and digital tools within repressive institutions. All three doctoral researchers are recipients of the Africa Programme’s Mobility Prize for their work in Ghana.

The workshop in Accra was coordinated by Prof. Charlotte Wirgley-Asante, former head of the Department of Geography and Resource Management, alongside Dr. Rosina S. Essien (University of Ghana) and PhD student Musah Aziba Issah (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology). Their contributions focused on the gendered dimensions of digital technologies and the challenges of inclusivity in the rollout of digital solutions.

Additional participants included Prof. Ernest Agyemang and Dr. Rabiu Kwaku Boakye Asante (University of Ghana), as well as PhD candidate Caroline King (WISER – University of the Witwatersrand), who will join CERI as part of an academic exchange in 2026. The workshop also featured presentations by Dr. Antwi Gyekyi, Director of Digital Technology at the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, and Ms. Abena Nyamesem (Esq), Head of Gender and Disability Inclusion at the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC).

A follow-up workshop is scheduled to take place at CERI–Sciences Po in January 2026.

Discover the photos of the events using this link.