Ghanaian universities need urgent academic writing reform, says professor

Professor Joseph Benjamin Archibald Afful, an Applied English Linguistics expert at the University of Cape Coast, has demanded immediate reforms in how academic writing is taught across Ghanaian universities. He warns that the current educational systems are hindering students' ability to compete on the global stage for research and publication.

“

academic writing training should move beyond basic language correction to specialised, discipline-driven instruction that equipped postgraduate students for international scholarship.

Delivering his inaugural lecture, Prof. Afful argued that academic writing training must evolve beyond simple language correction. He stressed the need for specialized, discipline-specific instruction to prepare postgraduate students for the rigors of international scholarship. Many graduate students, he observed, struggle with critical analysis, synthesizing ideas, proper referencing, and effective academic expression, which significantly weakens their prospects of publishing in reputable international journals.

Drawing on over two decades of research, Prof. Afful highlighted that while English is the official language of instruction in Ghana, students navigate complex linguistic environments that shape their academic communication. He pointed to significant gaps in postgraduate academic literacy, particularly in crafting research article titles, abstracts, and thesis writing, urging universities to prioritize structured writing support.

“

issues such as research article titles, abstracts and thesis writing continued to expose significant gaps in postgraduate academic literacy, calling for universities to prioritise structured writing support for graduate students.

He recommended that Ghanaian public universities introduce specialized English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and academic publishing courses. Prof. Afful also touched upon the sociolinguistic aspects of communication in Ghana, including naming and address practices, which reflect identity, power dynamics, and cultural values. He urged greater policy attention to indigenous communication practices and increased investment in language and communication research within the country.

“

forms of address used in universities, homes, and workplaces were not merely linguistic choices but social tools that shaped relationships and reflected underlying cultural dynamics.