UG Hosts Africa Educates Her (AEH) Phase II Campaign Launch
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has highlighted the transformative power of education in unlocking the potential of young girls. As the first female Vice-Chancellor at the University, Prof. Amfo stressed the need to create more opportunities for girls to excel, particularly in STEM fields.
She also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting girls' education through the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA), ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to succeed and lead in the future.
“Let us stand united in ensuring that every Ghanaian girl stays in school, excels and leads with confidence into the future,” Prof. Amfo added.
She made these statements as the Chairperson at the official launch of Phase II of the Africa Educates Her (AEH) campaign, a flagship programme under the African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa.
Jointly organised by CEGENSA and the Girls’ Education Unit at the Ghana Education Service, the #AfricaEducatesHer (#AEH) Campaign is a call to action for African Union (AU) Member States and stakeholders to prioritise girls’ right to education, particularly during emergencies and crises. The campaign advocates for effective learning recovery strategies and addresses the education needs of girls and young women in remote and underserved areas across Africa.
Reflecting on her journey to becoming Vice-Chair of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, former Head of UG’s Department of Physics and the current Ag. CEO of the Environmental Protection Authority, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, in her Keynote Address reiterated how education can empower girls to become leaders and innovators in science, technology and environmental solutions.
“Let’s talk to each other to make sure that the Africa we are building is the one where every girl is educated, every girl is empowered and every girl is responsible,” she charged.
Deputy Director-General (Management Service) of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, outlined the campaign’s focus on addressing the challenges that hinder girls' education, such as conflict, poverty and gender norms. She introduced the five key pillars of Phase II: Policy Advocacy, Research & Data, Communication, Partnerships and Capacity Building, aimed to close systemic gaps and ensure that no girl is left behind.
“Let us, therefore, use this launch to ignite relentless action in support of girls’ education,” she urged, while highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts from governments, communities and development partners to ensure the success of the campaign.
Ms. Simmone Yankey from the African Union International Centre for Girls’ & Women’s Education (AU-CIEFFA), emphasised the broader vision of the AEH campaign ensuring every girl in Africa accesses quality education. She acknowledged progress being made but noted that significant challenges remain, especially for girls in rural and marginalised communities.
“Our young leaders, you are our future, through education, you can transform your life, your community, or your continent,” she said, calling for collaborative efforts to strengthen policies, ensure safe educational environments, and build resilient systems that can withstand crises.
The symbolic launch of Phase II was led by Prof. Nana Aba Appiah-Amfo, Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, and other dignitaries, followed by the ceremonial signing of the campaign banner.
A panel discussion titled, “Unlocking Girls’ Potential – STEM and Beyond” featured inspiring women like Dr. Frederica D. Partey from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research; Ms. Diana Addo, Mathematics teacher at St. Mary’s Senior High School; Nana Afua Serwaa Adusei; Founder of Shecanic and Akua Serwaa Nkrumah from the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana. Moderated by Mrs. Rhoda Enchil, from UNICEF-Ghana, the panel explored strategies for breaking barriers for girls in STEM and beyond.
Solidarity messages were delivered from campaign partners including UNICEF Ghana, T-Tel, CAMFED, All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) and Power to Girls.
The event was also enriched with cultural performances featuring a dance by Tetteh Ocloo State School for the Deaf and a poetry recital from the University Staff Village Basic School. There was also a campaign song challenge between students from the University of Ghana Basic School, University Staff Basic School and La Bawaleshie Presbyterian School. Students were rewarded with cash prizes and notebooks.
Closing the event, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah-Amfo celebrated the University’s recent milestone of achieving gender parity, with female students comprising 50.1% of enrolment for the 2023/2024 academic year.
She highlighted the years of intentional effort behind such progress and called for continued action to eliminate obstacles like bullying and stigma. “We must be deliberate,” she emphasised.
The event brought together educators, policymakers and administrators to champion girls’ education across the continent.
