Dr Leslie Casely-Hayford: AfC Director wins award for transformative education research

Dr Leslie Casely-Hayford, Executive Director of Associates for Change (AfC) and the Olinga Foundation, has been honoured as Ghana’s Most Respected CEO in Education Research at the 8th Ghana Industry CEOs Awards. 

The ceremony, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, celebrated distinguished leaders whose work continues to shape national development across key sectors.

Dr Casely-Hayford’s recognition underscores more than two decades of leadership in education and social policy research in Ghana and West Africa. Under her direction, Associates for Change has undertaken groundbreaking studies on early childhood education, foundational learning, teacher development, accelerated learning models, out-of-school children, youth transitions and education in crisis settings. The organisation’s research has influenced major policy reforms, strengthened public sector decision-making and supported interventions targeting underserved and marginalised communities.

Her work through the Olinga Foundation has complemented these efforts, particularly in literacy development, mentorship and community empowerment. The Foundation provides training, learning materials and leadership programmes aimed at building confidence, nurturing aspiration and promoting lifelong learning among teachers and young people.

In responding to the award, Dr Casely-Hayford expressed gratitude to her teams and partners who have supported AfC’s mission. “I am deeply honoured to receive this award,” she said. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of the teams at Associates for Change and the Olinga Foundation, and the many partners who believe in our mission. I am especially grateful for the support of my husband, Mr Hayford, whose encouragement has been invaluable.”

Her acknowledgement reinforces the collaborative nature of AfC’s work, which has contributed significantly to evidence-based policymaking and efforts to reduce inequalities in education. The award also highlights the growing importance of research-led solutions in shaping Ghana’s human development agenda.

Associates for Change and the Olinga Foundation continue to play pivotal roles in supporting classrooms, strengthening systems and expanding opportunities for children and young people across the country.