Press release:
For immediate release.
Accra, July, 23, 2024. AMSA – This press release goes to announce the official launch of the African Mobility Scholars Association in Accra.
The Africa Mobility Scholars Association (AMSA) has been launched in Accra to foster balanced and informed discussions on global and Africa-centered mobility issues. At the launch event, Professor Leander Kandilige, AMSA’s Director, explained that the Association serves as a platform for academic scholars in the migration field to leverage both international and regional migration for economic growth. He emphasized that AMSA’s goal extends beyond migration to utilizing its potential for the socioeconomic development of nations.
Professor Kandilige noted that the Association includes scholars, practitioners, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working towards the country’s development, who often go unrecognized. He stated that AMSA aims to promote collective thinking for national development, using its launch as a rallying point for migration-related issues.
“We need to move past viewing migration negatively and instead have a balanced discussion on harnessing its benefits while being aware of potential risks,” he added. Professor Kandilige mentioned that AMSA looks forward to collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve its goals. The launch theme was “Advancing Development Through Mobility Scholarship.”
Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi, Comptroller General of the Ghana Immigration Service and guest speaker at the event, highlighted that AMSA should advocate for policy changes and implementations to improve transparency in immigration, positively impacting national development. He urged the AMSA executives to partner with institutions and build strong networks to support effective decision-making.
He reminded attendees that the ultimate goal is sustainable national development, noting that with proper policies, AMSA could enhance mobility across Africa. He stressed the importance of diligent free movement of goods and people, especially with the 2024 elections in mind.
Mr. Takyi concluded that AMSA would serve as a vibrant network for researchers concerned with African mobility. The Association was encouraged to leverage intra-regional migration, collaborate with existing networks, and work together to bring significant changes to migration patterns across Africa.