Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo elected Chairperson of Association of Commonwealth Universities Council
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has been elected Chairperson of the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for an initial two-year term, effective 1 January 2026.
Her election was announced in a statement issued by the Association’s London-based head office on January 8, 2026.
In addition to her role as Chair, Prof. Amfo will serve as Chair of the Council’s Executive Committee, providing leadership and strategic direction to the ACU’s governance structures.
Prof. Amfo brings more than 24 years of experience in academia and university governance to the position.
As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, she has overseen significant institutional reforms, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation programme designed to enhance teaching, learning, research and administrative systems.
Her previous 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 to higher education governance through leadership and service within regional and global academic networks.
Prior to her election as Chair, she served on the ACU Governing Council, having been inducted as one of eight new members following her appointment on 1 August 2024.
Commenting on her election, Prof. Amfo said she was “deeply honoured” by the confidence placed in her by Council members.
“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.
“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.”
Welcoming her election, ACU Secretary-General and Chief Executive, Prof. Colin Riordan, said Prof. Amfo was well placed to lead the Council.
“Her global outlook, proven leadership and deep experience in higher education make her an outstanding choice to guide the Association,” he said. “As we implement the Road to 2030 strategy, her vision and insight will be vital in advancing our priorities and ensuring impact.”
Prof. Riordan also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair of Council, Prof. Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, whose term ended on 31 December 2025.
Prof. de la Rey was honoured with the Symons Award at the 2025 ACU Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, in recognition of her contribution to the Association and to Commonwealth higher education.
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.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities is one of the world’s oldest international university networks, representing more than 500 member institutions committed to collaboration, innovation and the advancement of higher education across the Commonwealth.
