Interrogating Methodological and Epistemological Frameworks in Contemporary Ghanaian African Studies

The methodological and epistemological foundations of African Studies in Ghana have been subject to increasing scrutiny, with debates centred on decolonisation, positionality, and the relevance of research paradigms. This survey examines the current state of these scholarly discussions within the country's academic community. This study aims to systematically map and analyse the prevailing methodological approaches and epistemological stances adopted by researchers in Ghanaian African Studies. Its objectives are to identify dominant frameworks, assess perceived challenges in research practice, and evaluate the alignment between scholarly critique and applied methodologies. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a purposive sample of academic researchers and postgraduate students actively engaged in African Studies research at Ghanaian universities. The instrument combined closed-ended Likert-scale questions with open-ended qualitative items to capture both quantitative trends and nuanced perspectives. A significant proportion of respondents (over 70%) reported a conscious effort to employ decolonial or Afrocentric frameworks in their work. However, a central theme emerging from the qualitative data is a pronounced tension between this stated intent and the persistent use of conventional Western methodological tools, which many cited as a requirement for international publication. The field is characterised by a critical, reflexive awareness of epistemological issues but is constrained by structural academic incentives that shape methodological choices. This creates a dissonance between theoretical critique and research praxis. Academic institutions and journals should develop explicit guidelines and support structures for implementing alternative methodologies. Funding bodies are urged to incentivise methodological innovation that aligns with decolonial epistemologies. Further research should track the evolution of this praxis gap over time. research methodology, epistemology, decolonisation, African Studies, Ghana, survey research This paper provides the first systematic, nationwide survey data documenting the specific tensions between decolonial theory and methodological practice within Ghanaian African Studies, offering an evidence base for structural interventions.