UG Vice-Chancellor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo Elected Chair of Association of Commonwealth Universities Council

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has been elected Chair of the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for an initial two-year term, effective January 1, 2026.

Her election was announced in a statement issued by the Association’s head office in London on January 8, 2026. As Chair, Prof. Amfo will also serve as Chair of the Executive Committee of Council, where she will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Association’s governance structures.

Prof. Amfo brings over 24 years of experience in academia and university governance to the role. Since assuming office as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, she has led major institutional reforms, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation programme aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, research and administrative systems. Her previous leadership roles at the University of Ghana include Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Dean of the School of Languages and Head of the Department of Linguistics.

Beyond the University of Ghana, Prof. Amfo has contributed extensively to higher education governance through service and leadership within regional and global academic networks. Prior to her election as Chair, she served on the Governing Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, where she was inducted as one of eight new members following her appointment on August 1, 2024.

Reacting to her election, Prof. Amfo expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her by the Council. “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by 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.

She added that she looks forward to working closely with the Secretary-General, Council members and the Association’s diverse membership to strengthen collaboration, advance equity and inclusion, and ensure that higher education continues to serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and societal transformation.

The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Professor Colin Riordan, welcomed Prof. Amfo’s election, describing her as well suited to lead the Council. He noted that her global outlook, proven leadership and extensive experience in higher education make her an outstanding choice, particularly as the Association implements its Road to 2030 strategy.

Prof. Riordan also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair of Council, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, whose tenure ended on December 31, 2025. He acknowledged her contributions to the Association and the wider Commonwealth higher education community. Prof. de la Rey was honoured with the Symons Award at the 2025 ACU Congress held in Nairobi, Kenya, in recognition of her service.

The University of Ghana community has welcomed Prof. Amfo’s international appointment, commending her leadership and wishing her success as she takes on the role of strengthening collaboration, promoting equity and inclusion, and advancing the global impact of higher education.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities is one of the world’s oldest international university networks, comprising over 500 member institutions committed to promoting collaboration, innovation and the advancement of higher education across the Commonwealth.