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. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Association’s London headquarters on January 8, 2026.
In addition to her new role, Prof. Amfo will also serve as Chair of the Council’s Executive Committee, providing leadership and strategic oversight for the ACU’s governance and operations.
Prof. Amfo brings over 24 years of experience in academia and university administration to the position. As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, she has led major institutional reforms, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation initiative aimed at strengthening 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 UG, she has played an active role in regional and global higher education networks, contributing to policy and governance in the sector.
Before her election as Chair, Prof. Amfo served on the ACU Governing Council, having been inducted as one of eight new members on 1 August 2024.
Reacting to her election, Prof. Amfo said she was “deeply honoured” by the confidence reposed in her, noting the growing importance of the Association in an era of global change.
“At a time of profound global transformation, the ACU’s role in connecting universities across the Commonwealth has never been more critical,” she said. “I look forward to working with the Secretary-General, Council members, and our diverse institutions to deepen collaboration, promote equity and inclusion, and ensure higher education remains a catalyst for sustainable development and societal progress.”
Welcoming her appointment, ACU Secretary-General and Chief Executive, Prof. Colin Riordan, described Prof. Amfo as exceptionally well suited to lead the Council.
“Her global perspective, proven leadership, and extensive experience in higher education make her an excellent choice,” he said. “As we roll out the Road to 2030 strategy, her insight and vision will be central to advancing the Association’s priorities and impact.”
Prof. Riordan also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair, Prof. Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, whose tenure 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 outstanding service to the Association and Commonwealth higher education.
The University of Ghana community has welcomed Prof. Amfo’s international appointment, praising her leadership and wishing her success in the role.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities, one of the world’s oldest international university networks, represents over 500 member institutions dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of higher education across the Commonwealth.
