Who We Are
The Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, is recognised as a leading Centre of Excellence in teaching, learning, and research in international affairs and diplomacy. Established in 1989 at the request of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Centre has built a strong reputation for preparing the next generation of leaders and policy shapers in Ghana, Africa, and the wider world.
Philosophy & Approach
LECIAD’s philosophy is to empower students and professionals to understand the past, engage critically with the present, and design innovative solutions for the future. We combine theory with practice, emphasising multidisciplinary learning and collaborations that prepare students to become policy shapers and leaders at national, regional, and global levels.
Focus Areas:
LECIAD focuses on addressing persistent and emerging challenges that shape Africa’s place in the global political economy. These include peace and security, governance, gender, climate change, migration, and economic transformation.
Our courses and values are informed by Ghana’s history as a forerunner of political liberation and democracy in Africa, and by the continent’s evolving role in global governance. LECIAD adopts a problem-solving, multidisciplinary approach that combines theory and practice, equipping students and professionals with the tools to engage effectively in local, regional, and international arenas.
In doing so, the Centre emphasises African perspectives in diplomacy and international relations, while contributing to public discourse and generating knowledge that informs both policy and practice.
Capacity Development & Impact
Beyond academic programmes, LECIAD has, since 2002, been deeply engaged in capacity development activities that extend its influence beyond the classroom. Through workshops, conferences, seminars, symposia, and public lectures, the Centre provides platforms for continuing education, policy dialogue, and professional exchange.
Working in partnership with institutions such as the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, LECIAD has delivered specialised training in areas including diplomacy, negotiation, mediation, election management, and peace support operations. These initiatives have strengthened civilian capacities, enhanced democratic governance, and contributed directly to Africa’s peace and security landscape.
By combining academic excellence with practical training, the Centre ensures that policymakers, practitioners, and students alike are well-equipped to address pressing global challenges. LECIAD’s reach and impact are visible not only in Ghana but also across the continent, where its alumni continue to occupy leadership roles in international organisations, government, and civil society.