Established 1963 · Accra, Ghana

Advancing
Sociological &
Anthropological Knowledge

Together, we shape social understanding and action through research, teaching, and practice

GSAA brings together scholars, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to examining society through sociological, anthropological, and social work lenses. We foster academic growth, promote social awareness, and drive public impact.

Become a Member → Explore Research
10th Annual Conference

GSAA Conference 2026

17th - 18th September, 2026
University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast
Abstract Deadline: 20th August 2026
Official Theme OUR FUTURE AT RISK: SOCIAL EXCLUSION, RESOURCE EXTRACTION AND SECURITY IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA
Register Interest Details
9
Annual Conferences
Since 2015
500+
Active Members
Nationwide
16
Regions Represented
All of Ghana
50+
Published Works
Annually
1963
GSA Founded
GSAA Formed 15th June 2012
10th Annual Conference

GSAA Conference 2026

17th - 18th September, 2026
University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast
Abstract Deadline: 20th August 2026
Official Theme OUR FUTURE AT RISK: SOCIAL EXCLUSION, RESOURCE EXTRACTION AND SECURITY IN CONTEMPORARY AFRICA
Register Interest Details
Our Purpose

Empowering Minds,
Shaping Society

GSAA provides a national platform for mobilizing and connecting sociologists, anthropologists, social work scholars, and practitioners across Ghana to promote critical dialogue, scholarship, and public impact.

Vision Statement
To be the leading platform for advancing sociological, anthropological and social work knowledge and practice in Ghana and beyond.
Mission Statement
To bring together scholars and practitioners of sociology, anthropology and social work to promote critical engagement with social issues, and foster impactful research, teaching, and collaboration.
Gye Nyame Adinkra symbol
Gye Nyame
Sankofa Adinkra symbol
Sankofa
Dwennimmen Adinkra symbol
Dwennimmen
Nyansapo Adinkra symbol
Nyansapo
Aya Adinkra symbol
Aya
Funtunfunefu Adinkra symbol
Funtunfunefu
Academic Networking
Impactful Research
Public Engagement
Scholarly Focus

Areas of Research

View All Publications →
01
Chieftaincy & Traditional Governance
Examining the evolving role of traditional authority in contemporary Ghanaian governance, law, and community life.
02
Kinship, Family & Social Structure
Exploring matrilineal and patrilineal systems, gender roles, and the transformation of family in urbanizing Ghana.
03
Religion, Belief & Social Life
Investigating how Christianity, Islam, and indigenous spiritual practices shape identity and community cohesion.
04
Urbanization & Migration
Understanding the social consequences of rapid urban growth, internal migration, and diaspora formations.
05
Development & Social Policy
Bridging social science research with policy to address poverty, inequality, health, and education in Ghana.
06
Identity, Ethnicity & Nationhood
Tracing how ethnic identities, pan-Africanism, and national consciousness shape social relations across Ghana.
Upcoming

Events & Conferences

View Full Calendar →
17th - 18th September, 2026 · University of Cape Coast
10th Annual GSAA Conference: Our Future at Risk: Social Exclusion, Resource Extraction and Security in Contemporary Africa
Our landmark decennial conference brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Submit abstracts to gsaaucc1@gmail.com by 20th August 2026. Hosted at UCC, Cape Coast.
Flagship Event Call for Abstracts - Cape Coast, Ghana
April 2026
GSAA Public Lecture Series: Gender & Social Transformation
Monthly lecture featuring leading voices on gender dynamics in contemporary Ghana.
Open Access - KNUST, Kumasi
May 2026
Workshop: Ethnographic Methods in Digital Age Research
Two-day intensive workshop for postgraduate researchers on digital and traditional fieldwork methods.
Workshop - UDS, Tamale
Media & Press

GSAA in the News

Statements, press coverages, and sociological commentary on public affairs.
Helicopter crash news headline image
Press Release

Helicopter Crash: GSAA Mourns Victims, Urges Respectful Conduct

The Ghana Sociological and Anthropological Association has expressed deep sorrow over the recent helicopter crash that claimed multiple lives, urging respectful public commentary on social platforms.

By Abubakar Ibrahim August 12, 2025
Read on MyJoyOnline →
State corruption headline image
Statement

Corruption in State Institutions Undermining Public Confidence - GSAA

The GSAA has sounded the alarm on pervasive corruption in public bodies, warning that it systematically erodes civic trust and undermines public confidence in governance structures.

By Kenneth Darko September 24, 2024
Read on MyJoyOnline →
Ghanaian youth birthday celebrations headline image
Feature Insight

Strike a Pose: How Ghanaian Youth are Redefining Birthday Celebrations

An exploration of how modern birthdays in Ghana have evolved from quiet family moments into choreographic, red-carpet style social media productions representing changing youth norms.

By Prof. Isaac Boafo November 6, 2025
Read on MyJoyOnline →
10th Annual GSAA Conference header image
Flagship Conference

10th Annual GSAA Conference: Our Future at Risk

Bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss social exclusion, resource extraction, and security across contemporary Africa at UCC Cape Coast.

GSAA Secretariat September 17-18, 2026
View Event Details →
Our Leaders

Guiding Minds

The GSAA is led by a National Convenor and governed through institutional representation from member universities.

Prof. William Boateng
WB
National Convenor
Prof. William Boateng

Professor William Boateng leads the GSAA as National Convenor, coordinating association affairs, conferences, and institutional engagement across member universities. A distinguished scholar committed to advancing social science in Ghana.

View Full Structure →
Prof. Steve Tonah
ST
Immediate Past Convenor
Prof. Steve Tonah

Professor of Sociology at UG, Fellow of GAAS & Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, specializing in migration, chieftaincy, and pastoralism.

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Asso. Prof. Peace Mamle Tetteh
PT
Head of Department · UG
Asso. Prof. Peace Mamle Tetteh

Head of Department of Sociology at UG, Associate Professor specializing in Gender, Global Childhoods, Research Ethics, and Social Policy.

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Dr. Rosemond Akpene Hiadzi
RH
GSAA Representative · UG
Dr. Rosemond Akpene Hiadzi

Senior Lecturer in Medical Sociology & Anthropology at UG, specializing in reproductive health, family life, and qualitative research.

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Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro
GO
Head of Department · UCC
Prof. Georgina Yaa Oduro

Head of Department of Sociology & Anthropology at UCC, Associate Professor specializing in Gender Studies, Youth Cultures, and Blue Economy Heritage.

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Dr. Razak Jaha Imoro
RI
GSAA Representative · UCC
Dr. Razak Jaha Imoro

GSAA representative for the University of Cape Coast, supporting institutional coordination and scholarly engagement across disciplines.

Prof. Esmeranda Manful
EM
Head of Department · KNUST
Prof. Esmeranda Manful

Head of Department at KNUST, Kumasi. Prof. Manful provides leadership for social science teaching and GSAA institutional representation at KNUST.

Prof. Peter Dwumah
PD
GSAA Representative · KNUST
Prof. Peter Dwumah

GSAA representative for KNUST, contributing to association deliberations and strengthening social science collaboration across the institution.

Membership

Join the Community
of Scholars

Whether you are a student, early-career researcher, or seasoned academic - GSAA is your home. Connect with peers, access resources, present your work, and help shape the future of social science in Ghana.

Apply for Membership → Download Membership Form