Stories and facts
Founded in November 1959 by Kwame Nkrumah, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) stands as a beacon of intellectual pursuit and national progress within Accra, Ghana. This esteemed institution, initially known as the Ghana Academy of Learning, was established with a core mission: to champion the cultivation, advancement, and dissemination of knowledge across all realms of the sciences and humanities.
The genesis of the GAAS traces back to its inauguration on 27th November 1959, graced by the presence of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Kwame Nkrumah, at the distinguished Great Hall of the University College of Ghana. This ceremonial commencement marked the birth of a pioneering entity in post-independent Africa. The Academy received legislative recognition through an Act of Parliament, a seminal development underscoring its significance in the national landscape.
Subsequent milestones in the Academy's evolution include its amalgamation with the National Research Council in 1963, leading to the establishment of the Academy of Arts and Sciences. However, in 1968, a pivotal restructuring occurred, resulting in the bifurcation into two distinct entities: the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, serving as a pure bastion of erudition, and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), dedicated to applied research aligned with national imperatives.
At the heart of the GAAS beats a resolute mission: to nurture the genesis, acquisition, dissemination, and practical application of knowledge for the collective advancement of the nation. This vision is upheld through the promotion of scholarly pursuits and intellectual exchange, serving as a cornerstone for national development.
Central to its framework are the distinguished fellows, comprising a select cohort of individuals recognized for their seminal contributions to various domains of the arts and sciences. These esteemed members bear the honorific post-nominal letters 'FGA' and are integral to the GAAS's fabric. The election process for fellows is governed by a General Assembly of Fellows, which meticulously evaluates candidates based on their meritorious achievements and scholarly endeavors.
In addition to its native fellowship, the GAAS extends its embrace to global luminaries through the conferral of honorary fellowships. These distinguished accolades are bestowed upon eminent figures in the arts and sciences, irrespective of nationality, who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. Such honorary recipients stand as testament to the Academy's commitment to fostering international collaboration and intellectual exchange.
The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences stands as a venerable institution at the nexus of knowledge, innovation, and national progress. Through its unwavering dedication to scholarly excellence and intellectual stewardship, it continues to illuminate the path toward a brighter future for Ghana and beyond.
