Allison Howell Papers
Scope and Contents
This collection contains the papers of Professor Allison Mary Howell, an Associate Professor at Akrofi – Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture. The collection consists of research papers and articles, newspaper cuttings on topical issues, and audiovisual materials.
Dates
- Creation: 1500-2018
Conditions Governing Access note
This collection is open to researchers by appointment. Please contact the Archives and Special Collections Section by email: archive@aci.edu.gh for access.
Conditions Governing Use note
The right of access to material does not imply the right of publication. Permission for reprinting, reproduction, or extensive quotation from the rare books, manuscripts, prints, or drawings must be obtained through written application, stating the use to be made of the material. The reader bears the responsibility for any possible infringement of copyright laws in the publication of such material. A reproduction fee may be charged depending on the use of the material.
Biographical/Historical note
Allison Mary Howell (1951–2023) was a distinguished Australian academic, geographer, and theologian who dedicated over 40 years to the study and service of the church in Ghana. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, her multidisciplinary background included a BA (Hons) in Geography from the University of Sydney, an MA in Environmental Geography from the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Divinity from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Howell’s career was characterized by a transition from secular international development to deep-rooted missiological research. She served with UNICEF and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs before joining SIM (Serving In Mission). For 25 years, she worked in the Upper East Region of Ghana, where she achieved fluency in the Kasem language. Her time among the Kasena people resulted in groundbreaking ethnographic and theological research that bridge the gap between social science and Christian mission. In 1995, she joined the faculty of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture (ACI). As an Associate Professor, she served as the Director of the Centre for the Study of African Christian Thought and later as the Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies. Her work focused on "holistic mission," examining the intersections of the Gospel with the environment, language, and indigenous history. She was a key figure in the African Theological Fellowship (ATF) and mentored generations of African scholars until her passing in November 2023.
Extent
7.08 Linear feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Allison Howell (PhD) was born in Democratic Republic of Congo and is an Australian. She has worked in Ghana for over 38 years. Allison lives in Australia but continues to be an Associate Professor and adjunct lecturer at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture, Akropong-Akuapem, Ghana. She has a BA (Hons – Geography, University of Sydney), MA in Environmental Geography (University of Toronto), and a Ph.D. (Divinity, University of Edinburgh). She has had a varied career and worked with UNICEF and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs before serving as a missionary with SIM Ghana for 25 years in church planting and research related to gospel and culture issues in the Upper East Region of Ghana. She is fluent in Kasem and has published several books on the Kasena of northern Ghana, culture and language learning as well as a variety of articles related to mission, Christian history, gospel and culture and the environment.
Arrangement note
The records are arranged in eight (8) series, and series A, C, D ,E and H have been further arranged in sub series. The series and sub series arrangements are as follows:
SERIES A, PAMPHLETS IN KASEM AND ENGLISH , 1976 - 2001
Sub- Series 1, Kasem Story Books/Folktale
Sub- Series 2, Biblical Study Material in Kasem
Sub- Series 3, Ghana Kasem Language Learning
Sub- Series 4, Books of the Bible in Kasem
Sub- Series 5, Kasem 1992 Constitution
Sub- Series 6, Pamphlets in Burkina Kasem
Sub- Series 7, Kasena Culture-Health
Sub- Series 8, Pamphlets on Kasena Culture Event and People in English
SERIES B, ASPECTS OF WORLD CHRISTIANITY, 1500-2017
SERIES C, ARTICLES UNDER THEMES
Sub- Series 1, SIM International, 1982-1990
Sub- Series 2, Health Related Articles, 1933-2017
Sub- Series 3, Language Learning Materials, 1974-2018
Sub- Series 4, Witchcraft 1972-2013
Sub- Series 5, Missions, 1975-2014
Sub- Series 6, Tamale Institute of Cross Cultural Studies, 1987-2007
Sub- Series 7, Slave Trade, 1807-2007
Sub- Series 8, Kasem Bible Commentary Writing Workshop, 1998-2011
Sub- Series 9, Gospel and Culture, 1925-2010
Sub- Series 10, Science and Environment, 1906-2018
Sub- Series 11, General Papers Undated
SERIES D, ALLISON HOWELL PHD RESEARCH, 1989 - 1994
Sub- Series 1, Field Notes
Sub- Series 2, Personal Histories
Sub- Series 3, Analysis
Sub- Series 4, Duplicate Copies ( Incomplete)
Sub- Series 5, Items from Ghana Articles Notes
Sub- Series 6, Archival Notes
Sub- Series 7, Field Notes Articles Letters Documents
Sub- Series 8, C. Gagnon's Articles
Sub- Series 9, White Father Diaries
Sub- Series 10, Kasena Publications
Sub- Series 11, Archival Documents ( Kasena)
SERIES E, KASENA RESEARCH, 1981 - 2000
Sub- Series 1, Kasena Historical
Sub- Series 2, Kasena Cultura, Religious
Sub- Series 3, Kasena Meeting/ Talks
Sub- Series 4, Kasem Language Learning
SERIES F, RESEARCH METHODS
SERIES G, COPY OF PHD THESIS IN FRENCH MOUSTAPHA GOMGNIMBOU THE KASENA
SERIES H, AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS
Sub-series 1, VHS Cassettes
Sub –series 2, Audio Cassettes
Sub – series 3, Video Compact Disks (VCD’s)
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The collection was donated by Professor Allison Mary Howell.
General Physical Description note
:17 Boxes
Processing Information note
The finding aid was prepared with kind support of Professor Philip T. Laryea and Professor Mrs. Gillian Mary Bediako and processed by the Archives Team
- Title
- GUIDE TO ALLISON HOWELL PAPERS
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
- Edition statement
- FIRST EDITION
Repository Details
Part of the Carl Christian Reindorf Archives and Special Collection Unit Repository
P. O. Box 76, Akropong - Akuapem
Accra Eastern Region 00233 Ghana
0548 206 638
archives@aci.edu.gh