About Dr. Addoquaye Tagoe

Dr. Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe is an accomplished academic, researcher, and educator with over two decades of distinguished service in higher education. She has dedicated her career to advancing knowledge in the social sciences, nurturing the next generation of scholars, and driving meaningful social impact across Ghana and beyond.

A Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Dr. Addoquaye Tagoe brings rigorous scholarly insight to some of the most pressing development challenges facing contemporary African societies, including migration, governance, gender equity, and urban development.

Beyond her research, Dr. Addoquaye Tagoe is a dedicated educator and mentor. She is the founder of SWAG Mentorship, a programme that has guided over 150 students and alumni to academic excellence and professional success.

Dr. Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe, Senior Research Fellow at ISSER, University of Ghana
Years in Academia
Publications & Research Works
Conferences & Engagements
Mentees Supported
Areas of Focus

Research Areas

Dr. Addoquaye Tagoe's research spans interconnected themes in social science, youth & gender development studies, and governance, contributing to both academic scholarship and real-world policy in Ghana and beyond.

Migration

Exploring patterns, drivers, and impacts of migration within and beyond Ghana's borders.

Decentralization

Examining the devolution of power and its effects on local governance and development outcomes.

Climate Change

Studying vulnerability, resilience, and climate adaptation strategies across communities.

Youth & Gender Development

Investigating gender dynamics and youth inclusion in development planning and governance.

Participatory Governance

Researching how citizen participation shapes governance processes and democratic outcomes.

Institutions & Urban Development

Analysing the role of institutions in shaping urban growth, planning, and development.

View Full Research →
Social Impact

SWAG Mentorship Program

Founded by Dr. Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe, SWAG Mentorship is a thriving community dedicated to empowering students and young professionals to reach their fullest academic and career potential.

0+
Mentees Supported
0+
Years Running
0%
Dedication
Visit SWAG Mentorship →
Institutional Affiliations

Affiliated With

Impact & Influence

Leadership & Public Engagement

Short Course Coordinator event at ISSER
Short Course Coordinator

A decade as ISSER's Short Course Coordinator comes to an end

Led and coordinated ISSER's flagship short course programme for a decade, empowering professionals and policymakers.

Graduate Students Orientation at ISSER
Engagement with Graduate Students

Joined ISSER faculty in a graduate students orientation session

Welcomed the new batch of graduate students to ISSER, exposing them to programmes, resources, and support available.

ISSER Alumni Networking Session
Alumni Outreach

Participated in the ISSER alumni networking session

Engaged with ISSER alumni from MA/MPhil and PhD programmes to inspire, connect, and reflect with the alumni community.

Scholarly Work

Featured Publication

Book Chapter · 2025

The Effects of COVID-19 on the Journey to the East: Experiences of Ghanaian Transnational Traders in Accra

Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe & Peter Quartey

This chapter explores the experiences of traders and assesses the effect of the pandemic on their businesses, the strategies they used, and significant gendered differences. The chapter shows that the COVID-19 pandemic had both positive and negative effects on the traders, with significant gendered dimensions.
Publisher
Springer
Type
Book Chapter
Year
2025
Read Chapter → All Publications →
Journal Article · 2025

Navigating the Maze: Factors Influencing the Career Path of Ghanaian Women in STEM Fields

Austin Dziwornu Ablo, Arnold Laryea Ofoli, Benedicta Yayra Fosu Mensah, Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe, Charlotte Wrigley-Asante

This paper examines the factors that influence the career trajectories of Ghanaian women in leadership roles within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Drawing on 20 in-depth interviews, it explores the barriers to women's leadership and the strategies employed to overcome them, grounded in the feminist epistemology of intersectionality and structuration.
Publisher
Ghana Social Science Journal
Type
Journal Article · Vol 22 No 2
Year
2025
Read Article → All Publications →
Journal Article · 2026

Surviving on the Margins: The Impact of COVID-19 on Food Security Among Internal Migrants in Slum Communities of Accra

Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe, Peter Quartey, Ralph N.A. Armah, Aba O. Crentsil, Innocent S. Agbelie

Grounded in crisis and vulnerability theories, this paper explores how systemic inequalities and the COVID-19 public health shock heightened food insecurity and induced diverse coping strategies among internal migrants in Accra. Drawing on a survey of 100 migrants from Old Fadama and Agbogbloshie, it compares food security trends across the pre-COVID, during-COVID and post-COVID periods.
Publisher
Ghana Social Science Journal
Type
Journal Article · Vol 23 No 1 (Special Issue)
Year
2026
Read Article → All Publications →
Book Chapter · 2026

Advancing Women in STEM Leadership: Policy Analysis with Insights from Water-related Sectors in Ghana and Kenya

Adelina Maria Mensah, Faith Njoki Karanja, Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe, Adwoa Owusuaa Bobie, Charlotte Wrigley-Asante, Rita Boateng, Caroline Kabaria, Blessing Mberu, Ivy Chumo, Leunita Sumba, Simon Thuo, Betsy Makena Mugo

Across sub-Saharan Africa, progress on gender equality in the workplace has been made, but significant gaps remain in STEM leadership: women hold under 30% of middle and senior positions and are even less represented at the top, with only 17.8% acting as Vice Presidents and 12.4% as Chief Officers. This chapter analyses policy responses with insights from water-related sectors in Ghana and Kenya.
Publisher
African Books Collective
Type
Book Chapter · Dismantling Gender Barriers in STEM
Year
2026
Read Chapter → All Publications →