Sankofa: towards African-centred research methodological framework

This article presents critical duo-ethnographic reflections on our experiences as Western-trained researchers conducting research in Ghana. We propose Sankofa as a methodological framework to envision possibilities for decolonizing and indigenizing research. As a methodological framework, Sankofa provides a critical paradigm for both African and non-African researchers to learn, unlearn, and relearn authentic and culturally sensitive modes of researching and mobilizing knowledge. Sankofa offers critical decolonial reflexivity in the research process by guiding researchers and participants to reflect on and learn from the histories of the past to reimagine a decolonial future. Our duo-ethnographic reflections reveal challenges, including navigating institutional ethics, respecting communal practices, and confronting power imbalances embedded in traditional research paradigms. The application of Sankofa shows promising outcomes in addressing these challenges and enabling a research process that honors African Indigenous knowledge, fosters authentic and ethical accountability and communal empowerment.