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The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has elected the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana (UG), Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as its Council Chair for the next two years, marking a significant leadership milestone for Ghanaian higher education on the global stage.
The Association announced the election from its London head office last Thursday (January 8), confirming that Prof. Amfo would also chair the Executive Committee of Council, a role that places her at the centre of the Association’s governance and strategic direction.
For her part, Prof. Amfo framed her election as both an honour and a responsibility, outlining priorities that centred on partnership and social impact.
“I look forward to working closely with the Secretary-General, Council colleagues and our diverse membership to strengthen collaboration, advance equity and inclusion and ensure that higher education continues to serve as a powerful force for sustainable development and societal transformation,” she said.
She also stressed the relevance of universities during a period of global uncertainty.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by the Council. At a time of profound global change, the Association’s role as a connector of universities across the Commonwealth has never been more important,” she said.
The new Council Chair brings more than two decades of experience in academia and university administration to the position. As UG Vice-Chancellor, she led wide-ranging institutional reforms, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation programme that strengthened teaching, learning, research and administrative systems across the university.
Her earlier service included terms as Pro Vice-Chancellor responsible for Academic and Student Affairs, Dean of the School of Languages and Head of the Department of Linguistics.
These roles positioned her as a key figure in academic policy, curriculum development and student governance, while her wider engagement within regional and international academic networks expanded her influence beyond the University of Ghana.
Before her election as Chair, Prof. Amfo was inducted as one of eight new members of the Association’s Council in 2024.
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Association, Prof. Colin Riordan, described the election as a strong choice for the organisation’s future.
“Her global outlook, proven leadership and deep experience in higher education made her an outstanding choice to guide the Association. As we implemented the Road to 2030 strategy, Prof. Amfo’s vision and insight proved important in advancing our priorities and ensuring impact,” he said.
Prof. Riordan also acknowledged the service of the outgoing Chair, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, Prof. Cheryl de la Rey, whose term ended on December 31, 2025.
The Association honoured Prof. de la Rey with the Symons Award at the 2025 Association of Commonwealth Universities Congress held in Nairobi, Kenya, recognising her contribution to the organisation and the wider Commonwealth higher education community.
