The Department of Sociology at the University of Ghana has renamed its Graduate Seminar Room in honour of the late Emeritus Professor Godwin Kwaku Nukunya, in recognition of his significant contributions to sociology, anthropology, education and the development of the university.
The gesture honours the distinguished scholar, former Head of the Department of Sociology and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, whose contributions continue to inspire scholarship and shape generations of students and academics.
The ceremony, held at the Department of Sociology on Wednesday 26 August 2026, brought together university authorities, academics, students, alumni, members of the Nukunya family and other invited guests to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the renowned scholar.
Presidential Envoy on Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, who represented the Chief of Staff to the President, Dr. Julius Debrah, paid tribute to the late Professor Nukunya, describing him as an accomplished scholar, inspirational teacher and institution builder whose influence continues to shape generations of students.
Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah, a proud alumnus of the Department of Sociology, recalled his personal relationship with Professor Nukunya during his time in public office, describing him not only as a colleague, but also as a father figure and friend who had a profound influence on him.
He recounted how Professor Nukunya would intervene whenever there were challenges involving students, particularly during his time in student politics.
“Some scholars leave behind important books, great teachers leave behind generations of students, the realists amongst them also helped to build institutions strong enough to carry their influence far beyond their own lifetime. Emeritus Professor G.K. Nukunya belonged to that company,” he said.
He highlighted Professor Nukunya’s scholarship on marriage, family and Ghanaian society, particularly his influential book, Tradition and Change in Ghana, which he said remains an important resource for students seeking to understand the social and cultural forces shaping Ghanaian society.
Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah further praised Professor Nukunya’s teaching abilities, noting that he possessed the rare ability to simplify complex sociological and anthropological concepts through familiar examples from everyday Ghanaian life.
“He was an inspirational teacher who had the gift of making complex sociological and anthropological concepts accessible through familiar examples drawn from everyday Ghanaian life,” he said.
He said Professor Nukunya’s teaching inspired many students to pursue research in marriage and family studies, adding that continued engagement with the questions he raised was one of the greatest tributes to his legacy as a teacher.
Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah also commended the late professor for his contribution to the development of the University of Ghana, particularly through his service as Head of the Department of Sociology and his efforts to strengthen the relationship between the university and its alumni.
He recalled Professor Nukunya’s commitment to alumni engagement, including his support for alumni initiatives and the Alumni Homecoming held in 2017.
Beyond the university, Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah noted that Professor Nukunya’s influence extended to national institutions concerned with Ghana’s culture and heritage.
He expressed gratitude to the Nukunya family for supporting efforts to preserve the late professor’s legacy, describing the renaming of the Graduate Seminar Room as a fitting recognition of his contribution to the university and the discipline of sociology.
Reflecting on his return to the department, Mr. Afriyie-Ankrah noted that the occasion was particularly meaningful because the institution had played an important role in shaping his intellectual and professional journey.
“It’s great to be back here and this is where we were all shaped and formed, so it’s always a joy to return,” he said.
The renaming of the Graduate Seminar Room is expected to serve as a lasting reminder of the late Professor Godwin Kwaku Nukunya’s contributions to sociology, his commitment to teaching and research, his role in institution-building, and his influence on generations of students.
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Story by Albert Sampah| univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
