This book chronicles the establishment of Ghana's first university degree program in home science. It brings to life the challenges and opportunities experienced through the evolution of a British model of "domestic science" to a more North American-oriented model of the discipline and profession of home economics. The result is a university degree rooted in the culture and family systems of Ghana. Set within the larger context of women's education in pre and post-independence Ghana, the book highlights the importance of the interface between the discipline and national development. The challenges of establishing such a program within a traditional university structure are illustrated, as well as the struggle to base the program in research on the needs of Ghanaian families. The book shines a light on the leadership styles and persistence of the first four department heads whose individual and cumulative achievements changed the course of home science/home economics in the country.
The book covers the department's history from its beginnings in the late 1960s and the difficulties in designing appropriate curricula and developing academic staff, through the challenges presented by hard economic times, to 2010 when the department was renamed the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. The Department is now taking steps to become a School under the newly named College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences. Enroute we learn about the collaboration between the department and other agencies, professional associations, and potential employers which result in a stronger profession throughout the country and the growth of women and family-centered programming. The partnerships between the University of Ghana and, first, Cornell University in New York State, and, second, The University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada provide examples of international cooperation at its best. The contributions of the first four department heads - remarkable women from America, Canada, and Ghana-are highlighted.
Much of Dr. Anokwa's research builds on the actual historic material from the department and former staff. Historical documents in the form of letters, annual reports, curricula reviews, curricula, proposals for research and funding, course outlines, student evaluations, international student exchange, staff training and all the endeavors that go to make an academic endeavor flourish, have been made available to the reader in the appendix.
Additionally, for each of the twelve chapters photographs enhance the telling of the story. For alumnae and staff, the photos will evoke memories. For other readers they give a visual account of what is told in the narrative.
Remembering the Journey: The History of the Home Science Programme at the University of Ghana will be an excellent reference book on what worked in one Third World academic environment.