The Faulty of Social Science of the University for Development Studies (UDS) on the 6th of February 2026 in the Faculty of Law Auditorium at the Nyankpala Campus officially launched the Social Science Students’ Association under the theme “The Role of Social Science in National Development: Empowering Youth for Leadership.” The event brought together faculty members, invited guests, student leaders, and students in a ceremony marked by reflection, inspiration, and a strong call to action.

Delivering the welcome address Ms. Yahaya Queen Fadila, a level 100 Political Science Student of the Faculty said the Social Science Students Association will groom students who will shape policy, advocate for social justice and also analyze governance structure. Queen Fadila admonished her fellow students to embrace the association passionately. She ended with the statement “The social science student today is the policy maker of tomorrow. The researcher of today is the reformer of tomorrow. The critical thinker of today is the national leader of tomorrow. And SOSSAG stands as a vehicle to prepare us that responsibility.”

Prof. Abubakari Abdulai the Vice Dean of the faculty who doubled as the chairperson of gathering, congratulated the organizing committee and encouraged them to chart and champion thought provoking and constructive development conversations that brings to bare a blueprint for good governance. While pledging support for the association, the Vice Dean advice the leadership to collaborate with relevant bodies within and outside the university consolidate their mandate.

Delivering the guest address, the Principal of the Nyankpala Campus Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu described the launch as more than the inauguration of a student body, noting that it represents the birth of a platform for ideas, innovation, advocacy, and leadership. Emphasizing Ghana’s youthful population, he underscored the critical role young people play in shaping the country’s future through informed leadership and responsible citizenship.

Addressing the importance of social science in national development, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu highlighted that disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, geography, and public administration provide essential tools for understanding society and addressing pressing challenges. He noted that institutions like the Ministry of Education and the National Development Planning Commission rely heavily on research and policy analysis grounded in social science to inform decision-making and guide national planning.

“Without social science, development would be blind. With it, development becomes informed, inclusive, and sustainable,” he stated.

The chairperson further described youth as agents of transformation, stressing that leadership is not merely about holding positions but about assuming responsibility. He encouraged students to harness the critical thinking, policy analysis, ethical reasoning, and communication skills gained through their academic training to strengthen democratic institutions, including the Parliament of Ghana and the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

Outlining expectations for the newly formed association, Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu urged members to ensure it serves as a think tank for debates and research forums, a leadership incubator for future roles in governance and civil society, a hub for community engagement, and a bridge between theory and practice. Through seminars, workshops, and strategic partnerships, the association is expected to nurture socially conscious graduates committed to national service.

The address also emphasized ethical leadership as a cornerstone of national development. Students were encouraged to uphold integrity, promote inclusiveness, embrace diversity, and advocate for evidence-based decision-making in all spheres of engagement.

In his concluding remarks, the guest speaker called on students to actively participate in national conversations, conduct meaningful research, and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. He expressed confidence that the Social Science Students’ Association would inspire critical thinkers, courageous advocates, and visionary leaders who will drive Ghana’s development agenda forward.

Heads of Departments of the four departments of the faculty also took turns to address and encourage the students to leverage on the associations’ programs and activities to learn, unlearn and relearn to inspire potential students.

The ceremony ended with congratulations to the organizing committee and members of the association and a renewed commitment to academic excellence, civic responsibility, and transformative leadership at UDS.
The event was graced by Dr. Gbensuglo Alidu Bukari HoD Political Science, Dr. Zakaria Shanunu, HoD Sociology and Social Work, Dr. Samuel Nana Abokyi HoD History, Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred A. Agana HoD, Religion and Philosophy, Madam Sauda Belko Faulty officer and other faculty members.

Story By:
Hamdan W. Amadu
UDS Media