Centre for Urban Management Studies (CUMS) at the University of Ghana

We provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary setting for conducting innovative research, teaching and public outreach activities on the management of the urban built environment.

Director’s welcome message

Welcome to the website of the Centre for Urban Management Studies (CUMS) at the University of Ghana. CUMS was established in 2016 under the College of Humanities to provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary setting for conducting innovative research, teaching and public outreach activities on the management of the urban built environment. Partnerships between universities and non-academic bodies have long been recognized as a tool for identifying and solving problems, as well as promoting development in urban settings. It is against this background that CUMS seeks to engage with academics, policy-makers and practitioners of the urban built environment on a wide variety of issues. They include urban policy, planning and governance; urban economy and informality; urban development, crime and security; urban environmental management and policy; urban housing and slum upgrading strategies; urban poverty and inequalities; urban infrastructure financing strategies; urban transport; and urban health. CUMS welcomes individuals and institutions with an interest in the urban built environment for mutually beneficial programmes, events, and collaborations.

Dr. Isaac K. Arthur, Director

Who We Are

Brief Overview/History

In 2016, on the initiative of Professor Ernest Aryeetey (then Vice Chancellor), the University established the Centre under the College of Humanities with Professor George Owusu as its founding Director. The Centre was established to provide a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary environment for the conduct of innovative research, teaching, and public outreach activities on the management of the urban built environment.

Upcoming Events

Get to know all about the events going on at the centre

Our Vision

To become a world-class Centre for the training of urban management scientists and practitioners

Our Mission

To develop highly skilled urban scientists and managers through the provision of world-class training and appropriate innovative research to meet national and international urban development needs.

Partners

Graduate Courses

Master of Science (MSc) in Urban Studies

39-45 Credit hours

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Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Urban Studies

66-72 Credit hours

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Studies

81 Credit hours

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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Faculty

Effective communication and collaboration within the faculty helps us harness these qualities and drive the department towards its goals.

Prof. George Owusu

gowusu@ug.edu.gh

Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio

moteng-ababio@ug.edu.gh

Prof. Charlotte Wrigley-Asante

cwrigley-asante@ug.edu.gh

Prof. Alex Barimah Owusu

abowusu@ug.edu.gh

Knowledge Center

Latest Article & Blog

Latest news and articles from the department

  • 2025/2026 ADMISSIONS IN PROGRESS

    LEARN MORE    PHD BLOG       MSC BLOG

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  • The Physical Planning Director of Ayawaso visits CUMS

    On July 31, 2024, Mr. Mustache Gariba, Physical Planning Director of Ayawaso, delivered a lecture on the building permit application process and the issues that arise during this process. The lecture was engaging, informative, and provided valuable insights into the world of physical planning. 

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  • The course structure for the MSc in Urban Studies

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Students Corner

See what are students have to say…