BA, Geography with Archaeology, University of Ghana, 1987
MA, Population Studies, United Nations Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, 1990
MA, Geography, Carleton University, Canada, 1992
PhD, Geography, University of Minnesota, 2000
Research Interests
Dr. Owusu's research straddles the bridges between development and planning. One aspect of his research focuses on planning in Africa and the developing world. This research has followed three related paths: examining the relationship between neo-liberal economic reforms and the nature of African urban economies; exploring the relationship between organizational cultures and public sector reforms; and engaging debates over the theoretical and conceptual issues surrounding development policy in Africa. Taken together, this research pushes for an alternative to neo-liberal economic policies by exploring ways of creating effective public institutions and improving the capacity of African states. Another aspect of Dr. Owusu’s research focuses on the U.S. and is directed more towards policy. Under this genre of research, he has worked on developing sustainable development indicators, explored the relationship between urban development and smart growth, and analysed the location of ethanol plant in the Midwest. His work has been published in journal such as Journal of Planning Education and Research,Public Administration and Development, World Development, The Canadian Geographer, Canadian Journal of African Studies. Africa Today, Political Geography, African Development Review, Development Policy Review as well as in several edited volumes.
Current Projects
Locational Choices of Bioeconomy Firms and Rural Development in the Corn Belt
Effects of HIV/AIDS on Poverty in Sub-Saharan African Cities
Development on the Move: Measuring and Optimizing the Economic and Social Impacts of Migration in Ghana
Organizational Culture and Performance in Public Sector Organizations: A Framework for Evidence-based Public Sector Reforms in Africa
Neo-liberalism and the Changing Nature of Formal Sector Work: A case Study of urban Ghana
