Tallinn university and University of Ghana planning for a collaborative future
Estonia and Ghana seem very different countries with vastly different outlooks on the world but University of Ghana and Tallinn University have realised that we have a lot in common and many different avenues for cooperation. The universities have already worked together and are planning more collaboration in the future.
A long history and similarities
Tallinn University and Ghana have collaborated for years, starting with visiting lecturers on both sides, later adding more staff cooperation as well as student exchanges. In 2024, a large delegation from TLU visited UG’s Annual New Year’s School and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. As part of this visit, the differences between Estonia and Ghana grew smaller and it became clear that the two countries have a lot in common. The two universities have had many more discussions since.
TLU and UG work together in mainly two fields - technology and social sciences, especially international relations. As this cooperation has developed, both countries have found a lot of common ground. A mutual understanding of the history of foreign power rule, the complicated situation around the world today and the need for tech innovation. Both countries have a lot to learn from each other as well. Estonia is technologically advanced but Ghana showcases a different approach to politics. In cooperation with the University of Ghana, TLU is developing a centre of excellence on African affairs, something that Estonia does not have.
An interdisciplinary visit
In January 2026, four colleagues from the School of Governance, Law and Society visited the University of Ghana. This visit happened to establish more on the visit by the then rector Tõnu Viik earlier in the year. The goal of SOGOLAS’ visit was to establish and advance relationships with multiple different disciplines at UG. The delegation visited LECIAD, Department of Political Science, School of Law and School of Continuing Education. As part of the visit, staff also met students of UG and discussed further cooperation. The visit was to confirm the existing relationship between the two universities but to also discuss what possible research avenues there could be. Estonian and Ghanaian researchers found a lot in common, especially in the field of cyber security, security studies in general and political turmoil. Ghana and Estonia also share a colonial past and moving beyond that history has been part of both countries’ politics for many years.
Next steps and plans
2026 has been a year of active cooperation between the universities and there are plans for more. In June, a large Ghanaian delegation also visited Tallinn University to find even more common ground. There are plans for a joint journal issue and finding funding for more research projects. Mutual visits and collaboration will hopefully lead to collaborative writing in the year 2027 and onwards.