When Dr. Emelda Mabel Quainoo enrolled in the PhD in Migration Studies programme at the University of Ghana’s Centre for Migration Studies (CMS) in 2020, she was driven by a desire to understand the complex factors shaping human mobility and contribute to conversations on migration and development in Africa.
Six years later, she graduates with a doctoral degree, carrying with her new perspectives on migration research, policy and practice.
Dr. Quainoo describes her experience at CMS as “transformative, enriching, intellectually stimulating and rewarding,” noting that the programme provided her with the opportunity to engage deeply with migration issues through an interdisciplinary lens.
Her doctoral research, titled “Return Migration Amidst Crisis: Ghanaian International Return Migrants in Accra and Kumasi,” examined the experiences of Ghanaian migrants who returned home following major global and regional crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Sudan conflict.
The study explored how crises influence return migration decisions and shape reintegration experiences, contributing to the growing body of knowledge on return migration within the Ghanaian context.
“My interest in understanding the complex drivers and consequences of human mobility, particularly within the African context, inspired me to pursue Migration Studies,” Dr. Quainoo said. “I was motivated by the opportunity to contribute to evidence-based research and policy discussions on migration and development.”
She said her training at CMS expanded her understanding of migration as a phenomenon influenced by economic, social, political, environmental and personal factors.
“The programme strengthened my understanding of the links between migration, development, livelihoods, social networks and public policy,” she said.
Beyond theoretical knowledge, Dr. Quainoo said the programme equipped her with advanced research, analytical and critical thinking skills, particularly in mixed-methods research, which she believes will support her future contributions to migration scholarship and policy.
She expressed appreciation to her supervisors, Prof. Daniel Bruce Sarpong, Dr. Johnson Appiah-Kubi and Dr. Mark Kwaku Mensah Obeng, for their guidance, constructive feedback and encouragement throughout her doctoral journey.
She also acknowledged the support and leadership of the Director of the Centre for Migration Studies, Prof. Mary B. Setrana, for creating an environment that supports research, mentorship and academic growth.
According to Dr. Quainoo, the seminars, scholarly discussions and interactions within the Centre’s academic community played an important role in shaping her research journey and successful completion of the programme.
She hopes to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the programme to support evidence-based migration policymaking, contribute to migration research in Africa and help design interventions that promote sustainable migration outcomes and effective reintegration for return migrants.
For individuals considering the Migration Studies programme, Dr. Quainoo encourages them to take up the opportunity, describing it as a programme that provides students with the knowledge, analytical tools and practical skills needed to engage with contemporary migration challenges in academia, policy and practice.
Her journey reflects the Centre for Migration Studies’ commitment to training scholars and practitioners equipped to contribute to understanding migration processes and shaping responses to migration challenges across Ghana and Africa.
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