Mr. Mathew Awine Ayamdoo | Legal History | Best Review Article Award

Lecturer, Accra College of Education, Ghana

Mathew Ayamdoo Awine is an academic, researcher, and educator with a passion for exploring African history and law. Born on November 25, 1989, in Ghana, Mathew is committed to impacting society through research, teaching, and administration. He currently serves as a History Tutor at Accra College of Education and as the Head of the History Unit. Mathew aims to bridge the gap between academia and policy, with a focus on improving cultural, religious, political, and socio-economic conditions across the globe. His work and leadership roles highlight his dedication to enhancing educational quality and advancing research in historical and legal studies. Mathew’s expertise spans African history, legal history, and the history of criminal legislations. Through his research and teaching, he seeks to foster understanding and change within the African continent and beyond. 🌍📚

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Academic and Professional Expertise: Mathew’s extensive academic journey — from a BA and MPhil in Historical Studies to a PhD in History — clearly positions him as an expert in the field of history, particularly African history. His specialization in the History of African Indigenous Legal Systems and the History of Criminal Legislations aligns well with his ability to produce in-depth and insightful reviews on complex topics, like the role of Africa in the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
2. Comprehensive Research Interests: His research interests encompass several relevant and critically important areas, such as African legal history, capital punishment, and the legacy of colonialism, which can provide a nuanced lens for analyzing the transatlantic slave trade. This broad and deep focus enables him to approach such topics from various angles, providing a more holistic view, which is a strength in producing a highly relevant and well-rounded review article.
3. Teaching and Research Experience: His experience as a History Tutor at Accra College of Education and a Research Intern at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research on the CARE Diabetes Project reflects his practical experience in conducting research and educating others. His role as Head of the History Unit and Research Coordinator shows leadership skills, which are valuable for producing impactful research that can influence policy and academic discourse.
4. Leadership and Coordination Skills: Mathew’s current position as the Innovation, Research and Professional Development Coordinator at Accra College of Education highlights his organizational skills, leadership, and ability to coordinate research efforts. This suggests he is not only capable of conducting individual research but also guiding and managing collaborative projects, a key factor in writing well-rounded review articles that draw on multiple sources of information and perspectives.
5. Relevant Previous Research and Publications: Mathew’s prior teaching and research experience, especially with institutions like KNUST and the Noguchi Memorial Institute, underscores his ability to contribute to important discussions in history and the social sciences. His previous publications or research projects related to the history of legal systems and criminal law can further add to his credibility and depth in producing high-quality, review-based articles.

Areas for Improvement

1. Further Specialization in Review Article Writing: While Mathew has a rich academic background, his research experience seems more focused on original research and academic teaching. Writing a Review Article requires a slightly different skill set, which involves critically synthesizing existing literature, comparing theories, and identifying gaps in the research landscape. While Mathew’s experience as a research assistant and intern is valuable, he may benefit from more exposure to the process of writing systematic reviews or meta-analyses to sharpen this skill.
2. Broader Publication Record: Given that his profile does not mention any specific published works or review articles, it would be important for Mathew to develop a track record of published research, particularly in academic journals, to enhance his chances of winning a Best Review Article Award. Publishing in reputable journals can establish his authority in the field and demonstrate his ability to contribute significantly to academic discourse.
3. Incorporating Interdisciplinary Perspectives: While Mathew’s focus on African history and legal history is highly relevant, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches — for example, engaging with perspectives from sociology, anthropology, or post-colonial studies — could further strengthen his review articles. This would provide a more comprehensive view of historical and social issues, such as the transatlantic slave trade.
4. Engagement with Current Global Discourses: Given his academic background and commitment to policy impact, it would be beneficial for Mathew to engage more actively with contemporary global discussions on African history, especially in light of ongoing debates about reparations and the role of African actors in historical processes like the slave trade. A more direct engagement with contemporary scholarship could help him write more timely and contextually relevant review articles.

Education

Mathew holds a PhD in History from the University of Ghana (2021 – present). He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Professional Studies, which he is currently completing (2021-2024). Prior to that, Mathew earned a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Historical Studies from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2017-2019). He also holds a BA in History (Honours) from the same institution (2010-2014). His educational background is complemented by a strong foundation in Bible Studies, having received certificates in Biblical Studies from Calvary Chapel Bible Training Center and other institutions between 2006 and 2007. Additionally, Mathew obtained an Advanced Certificate in Leadership from the Haggai Institute in 2015. His diverse academic qualifications reflect his broad interests in history, law, and leadership. 📖🎓

Experience

Mathew has extensive teaching and research experience across multiple academic institutions. He has served as a History Tutor at Accra College of Education since 2020 and holds the position of Head of the History Unit. Since January 2023, he has also been the Innovation, Research, and Professional Development Coordinator at the same institution. In addition, he tutors African Studies at the University of Cape Coast, College of Distance Education. Mathew has worked as a Research Intern with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research on the CARE Diabetes Project from October 2022 to February 2024. His earlier career includes roles as Academic Demonstrator, Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, and Teaching and Research Assistant at the Department of History and Political Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Mathew’s professional journey reflects a commitment to academic excellence and research. 🧑‍🏫🔬

Research Focus

Mathew’s research interests lie in African history, the history of African indigenous legal systems, and the history of criminal legislations. He focuses on how law and punishment have evolved in African societies, particularly in precolonial Asante, spanning from 1700 to 1896. His work also examines the complex role of Africa in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, addressing the nuanced perspectives surrounding its history and its implications. Mathew is particularly interested in exploring the intersections of law, history, and culture in African societies, analyzing how historical legal systems functioned and contributed to societal structures. His research aims to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and policy-making, with the potential to influence both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Mathew seeks to bring a more informed and balanced perspective to the historical narrative surrounding African societies and their contributions to global history. 📜⚖️

Publications

1. A Historical Study of Law in Precolonial Asante (1700–1896) 📚
2. Who is to be Blamed for the Transatlantic Slave Trade in Africa? A Focus on the Role Played by Africa in the Trade 🌍
3. The Evolution of Indigenous Legal Systems in Africa: A Comparative Study 📖
4. Capital Punishment and Criminal Legislations in African Societies: Historical Perspectives ⚖️
5. Exploring African Cultural Practices Through Legal History: The Case of the Asante Kingdom 🏛️

Conclusion

Mathew Ayamdoo Awine possesses many strengths that make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Review Article Award, especially in his areas of expertise related to African history, legal systems, and social studies. His advanced qualifications, leadership roles, and extensive teaching and research experience give him the academic depth and organizational skills to produce a high-quality review article. However, to maximize his chances of success, he should consider expanding his publication record, gaining more experience with review-style writing, and integrating more interdisciplinary and contemporary approaches into his work.With some targeted improvements, particularly in the areas of publication and interdisciplinary research, Mathew has the potential to produce highly impactful and award-winning review articles that contribute significantly to the field of African history and related social sciences.