Although humans have always lived with chaos and suffering, research suggests that feelings of despair and a sense of hopelessness have reached new heights in recent decades, especially for young people. Devastating, inhuman events unfold before us in real time in terrifying sound bytes and digital imagery. Yet, history shows us that every generation continues to seek peace and justice and to resolve conflicts; to practice love of neighbour; and to share hope.

Scholars have shown the therapeutic potential of immersion in an imaginary world. However, afrofuturism for example, can only be built on an authentic past. In this lecture, this year's Claude Ake Chair, Professor Akosua Adomako Ampofo, draws on African principles that embody interconnectedness and shared ethical obligations, such as those found in (the now popularised) Ubuntu, and the wisdom in Akan adinkra symbols such as Funtumfunafu, Denkyemfunafu, (crocodiles who share a stomach) to share true stories.

From the scholarly works of “organic intellectuals”, such as Claude Ake, as described by Jeremiah O. Arowosegbe (2018), through carefuly planned justice work to simple acts of kindness in chance encounters that recognize others as human, we can (re)ignite imagination, offer hope and be intentional about our strategies for upholding justice and making peace.

Adomako Ampofo is Professor of African and Gender Studies, and a former Director of the Institute of African Studies and the Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Ghana. A feminist, activist scholar, her work on African Knowledges, Gender and Masculinities, and Popular Culture is informed by a commitment to social justice. In 2022 she co-produced the documentary on women’s activism in Ghana, When Women Speak External link, opens in new window., with Kate Skinner and directed by Aseye Tamakloe. Adomako Ampofo is the founding vice-president and immediate past President of the African Studies Association of Africa External link, opens in new window., and a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2023-2024 she was the Wangari Maathai Visiting Professor at the University of Kassel. In 2024 she established 715House Productions, a creative media company, with her daughter, Akosua-Asamoabea Ampofo, dedicated to reshaping narratives about (global) Africa. She is the 2025 Professorial Claude Ake Chair at the Nordic Africa Institute, and the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University.

About the physical event:

The in-person event is open to all and free of charge. However, as seating is limited, registration is required for admission on a first-come, first-served basis. The lecture will conclude at 17:00, followed by an opportunity to mingle. Refreshments will be served. Register for the in-person event here External link, opens in new window.

• Location: Uppsala University Main Building, Biskopsgatan 3, Uppsala
• Venue: Room IV
• Accessible entrance available from Övre Slottsgatan 7D

About the virtual event:

Register for the online Zoom event here External link, opens in new window. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link to the lecture.

The Claude Ake Memorial Lecture is organised by the Nordic Africa Institute and the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University.