Background

Dr. Mohammed Hamza, PhD, is a distinguished scholar, development practitioner, and security consultant who currently serves as the Head of the Department of Peace and Security Studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS). He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and an MPhil in Development Studies, with strong interdisciplinary training that integrates development theory, governance, conflict analysis, and peace and security studies. His academic leadership reflects UDS's core mandate of promoting development-oriented, community-focused, and African-centred scholarship.

As Head of Department, Dr. Hamza provides strategic academic leadership in curriculum development, research coordination, and the training of students in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and security governance. Dr. Hamza's research interests focus on global governance, conflict, peace, and security. His scholarly work examines issues such as youth unemployment and political violence, governance disputes, community-based conflict resolution, identity-based tensions and discrimination, traditional authority and land governance, peace education, border disputes, resource-based conflicts, and development policy. His research approach combines theory with empirical analysis and policy relevance, contributing to academic debates while offering practical solutions to contemporary peace and security challenges globally.

Prior to joining academia, Dr. Hamza accumulated several years of professional experience in the private sector and the non-governmental organization (NGO) space, where he worked on development, governance, and security-related initiatives. He has served as a security and peacebuilding consultant for several local and international NGOs, providing expertise in conflict analysis, security risk assessment, institutional capacity building, and conflict-sensitive program design. This extensive field experience informs his teaching, supervision, and policy engagement, enabling him to bridge academic knowledge with practical, real-world applications.

In addition to his academic and consultancy work, Dr. Hamza is the Founder of Care Network Africa and the International Peace and Security Institute for Development (IPSID). Through these institutions, he has contributed to research, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and development at local, national, and international levels. His leadership in these organizations underscores his commitment to inclusive dialogue, community empowerment, and collaborative approaches to peacebuilding.

Dr. Hamza also brings a rich background in student leadership and governance, having been an active student politician during his academic training. He served with distinction in several leadership roles, including President of the Graduate Students Association of Ghana, Senate Speaker, Chair of the Judiciary Board, Member of the National Finance Committee, Member of the General Assembly, Students' Representative Council Advisor, and Member of University Management. These leadership experiences have shaped his participatory and inclusive approach to academic administration and mentorship, reinforcing his commitment to ethical leadership, institutional development, and service to the university community.

Contact: mhamza@uds.edu.gh