Asante-Wusu, Isaac

Biography

Dr. Isaac Asante-Wusu holds a Ph.D. in Geography with a minor in Development Studies and Social Change from the University of Minnesota, an M.A. in Geography from Miami University, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Development Planning from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.

Research Interest

His research spans democracy, the developmental state, institutional political economy, and water governance, with a particular focus on Africa. His work explores how political structures, state capacity, and historical legacies shape governance outcomes in post-colonial contexts. Isaac’s broader interests include environmental justice, globalization, and the politics of public service delivery. He has conducted extensive field research in Ghana and South Africa and is committed to bridging academic research with policy debates on equitable and inclusive development.

His research has been published in top journals including International Development Planning Review, African Geographical Review, Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, and Journal of Sustainable Development, alongside public-facing commentary in The Conversation Africa.

Teaching Philosophy

His teaching grows from a deep commitment to civic education, critical inquiry, and the formation of responsible and intellectually engaged citizens. A dedicated and student-centered educator, he teaches courses in environmental justice, urban/economic geography, urban planning, globalization, global cities, and research methods. His teaching emphasizes experiential learning, field-based engagement, and the use of diverse media—including documentaries, lectures, discussions/seminars—to help students connect theory to practice. Whether through site visits, applied exercises, or discussions, he encourages students to think critically about power, inequality, and civic responsibility. His overarching goal is to cultivate socially conscious, civically engaged learners who are prepared to understand and address the complex challenges shaping contemporary urban and environmental life.