Some of the speakers at the event

Professor Thomas Kwasi Tieku has called for the urgent inclusion of African perspectives in global international relations discourse, stating that Africa cannot continue to be spoken about without being spoken with.

His remarks were delivered at a two-day international workshop hosted by the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) at the University of Ghana from July 8 to 9, 2025.

Held under the theme “African Systems of Political Thought in International Relations,” the event was organized in partnership with Queen’s University, King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Canada.

It brought together scholars, researchers, and students from across Ghana, Canada, and beyond to explore the contributions and relevance of African political thought in shaping international relations (IR).

Professor Tieku, a renowned scholar in Politics and International Relations at King’s University College, lamented Africa’s marginal presence in mainstream IR scholarship.

“Africa’s place in global IR discourse remains limited,” he told the media.

“Often, when Africa is mentioned, it is in the context of conflict, instability, or crisis. Yet the continent makes significant contributions to the global knowledge ecosystems which are frequently overlooked.”

He criticized what he described as the “pathologization” of Africa in academic narratives.

“There’s a dominant idea that what is considered ‘normal’ exists elsewhere, and Africa represents the ‘abnormal.’

In many discussions, Africa is spoken about but not spoken with. We cannot allow people to metaphorically shave Africa’s hair in its absence.”

Professor Tieku further challenged African academic institutions to interrogate the foundations of their curricula, many of which he noted still bear the imprint of colonial legacies.

“Most of our universities were established to mirror Western colonial educational systems and continue to reproduce colonial-style knowledge.

“This workshop is part of a broader effort to create intellectual spaces where African voices, perspectives, and systems of thought can flourish and inform global scholarship.”

Other speakers at the event included Dr J Andrew Grant, Associate Professor of Political Science at Queen’s University, who emphasized the need to advance African-centered perspectives in diplomacy and international affairs.

“This collaboration is about pushing the boundaries of global understanding. We aim to amplify Africa’s voice in global policy conversations and academic frameworks, ensuring that Africa is not just a subject of study, but a driver of global knowledge,” Dr Grant stated.

The workshop also featured presentations and contributions from LECIAD faculty members including Dr. Folashade Soule-Kohndou, and Dr. Afua Boatemaa Yakohene.
Participants discussed the need to decolonize international relations theory and practice, as well as to foster greater inclusion of African ideas, governance systems, and diplomatic traditions in the global arena.

AM/KA

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey