Emeritus Prof. Aryeetey Calls for Rethink of Social Science Research in Africa

Economist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has called for a major shift in how social science research and teaching are conducted across Africa, warning that current approaches no longer reflect the continent’s rapidly changing societies.

Speaking at the 9th School of Social Sciences Conference at the University of Ghana on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Prof. Aryeetey highlighted what he described as the “paradox of a changing Africa”—a situation where societies are evolving quickly while economic structures remain largely unchanged.

“Even though Africa has not changed much structurally for the last seven decades, the people are changing and the society is changing. So how do you live in a country where the people are changing but the economy is not changing?” he questioned.

He explained that this disconnect should prompt social scientists to rethink existing theories and research priorities, noting that many of the frameworks currently taught were designed for a different era.

“The theorists we teach were made for a particular type of Africa, but the Africa we have today was not foreseen by many of those social theorists,” he said.

Prof. Aryeetey pointed to technology, migration, and globalisation as key drivers of social change across the continent, noting that even rural communities are increasingly connected to global trends.

“Today you can live in a rural part of the country and still have an urban life. Young people in villages follow global events, watch international football, and use digital services in ways that were impossible years ago,” he added.

He also warned that inequality could deepen if economic systems fail to adapt to these changes, stressing that access to opportunities—such as education abroad—continues to widen the gap between different social groups.

To address these challenges, Prof. Aryeetey urged scholars to adopt interdisciplinary approaches and make better use of technology in research.

“The challenges we face today cannot be solved by one discipline alone. Economists, sociologists, political scientists, and others must work together to find solutions,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for stronger engagement between academia and policymaking.

“If we want to change the systems that determine production, education, and justice, we cannot ignore politics,” he noted.

The conference brought together academics, researchers and students to explore the role of social sciences in addressing emerging development challenges across Africa.