Ghanaian scholar Nana Kwame Osei Fordjour makes history with inaugural US award

US-based Ghanaian scholar Dr Nana Kwame Osei Fordjour has been named the first recipient of the 2026 Early Career Scholar Award instituted by the National Communication Association (NCA).

Dr Osei Fordjour, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland, received the recognition from the NCA’s African Communication Studies Division for his research contributions, service and mentorship in the communication discipline.

The award is a new international recognition established to honour outstanding early-career African researchers in communication.

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Announcing the award, Chair of the African Communication Studies Division, Professor Godfried Asante, said the selection committee was impressed by Dr Osei Fordjour’s body of work and his focus on Africa-centred research in political communication.

The committee also acknowledged his contributions to mentorship and service across his department, university and the wider communication research community.

The award will be formally presented at the National Communication Association's annual convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, scheduled for November 19 to 22, 2026.

Founded in November 1914, the National Communication Association is a non-profit scholarly organisation dedicated to advancing communication research, teaching and practice.

The award recognises scholars who have made significant contributions to communication research and education.

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