Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin: The man who mentored a department

On October 1, 2026, the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana honored Emeritus Professor Kwame Akon Ninsin. The event saw the attendance of many faculty members, including Emeritus Professor Atsu Ayee, as well as prominent civil society figures such as Professor Kwame Karikari and Dr Emmanuel Akwetey. Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, highlighted the Trinity that built the Department, stating that Ninsin was the one who nourished it after founding it under the leadership of Mr F. K. Drah.

Ninsin was known for his talent for spotting promising scholars and for being disciplined in his approach, pushing his students to think critically beyond the classroom. He was also a mentor to women scholars, including Dr Beatrice Allah-Mensah, Dr Maame Gyekye-Johnson, and Prof. Rosina Foli. Ninsin the activist was remembered for publishing controversial works, such as one on former President Rawlings, and for his concern about Ghana's state of nation, which led to a conference on the topic.

His last MPhil student, Dr Mohammed Shardow, recalled Ninsin's meticulousness and his insistence on looking beyond scholars from his own department. Despite his age, Ninsin remained active, even overseeing his last student's work through electronic means. The department and its students mourn the loss of a man who was not just a teacher and builder, but also a conscience for the institution.