UG VC Highlights Mentorship and Leadership Development as Core Priorities at UK Ambassador for a Day Celebration

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has reaffirmed the University’s commitment to championing gender equity, leadership development and youth empowerment, as she chaired the 2025 Ambassador for a Day (AfD) celebration hosted by the British High Commission in Accra.

Professor Amfo highlighted the University of Ghana’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen leadership opportunities for women. She cited deliberate investments in mentorship structures across undergraduate programmes, research opportunities, faculty development and leadership training including the creation of the Legon Leadership Academy and partnerships linking students with industry for real economic opportunities.

The Vice-Chancellor further pointed to the University’s launch of a comprehensive Gender Policy in 2023 and the establishment of an Equal Opportunities Board as a clear evidence of UG’s institutional dedication to mainstreaming gender equity. These measures, she said, ensure that the University moves beyond policy creation into effective implementation.

Prof. Amfo commended the Ambassador for a Day initiative for providing young Ghanaian women with opportunities to experience diplomacy, leadership and high-level decision-making.

She emphasised that mentorship is one of the most influential interventions in shaping career trajectories, particularly for young women.

Drawing from her own academic journey, Professor Amfo noted that mentors had played a critical role in encouraging rigorous thinking, opening professional doors and boosting her confidence as she navigated academia and leadership.

She concluded by pledging the continued support of the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) in the programme and mentioned the inclusion of the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA) as new partners.

This year’s event also featured reflections from UK’s High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Dr. Christian  Rogg, underscoring the programme's role in youth development, women’s empowerment and leadership

The Ambassador for a Day programme, now in its fourth year, provides young Ghanaian women aged 18–24 the opportunity to shadow ambassadors and CEOs, gaining exposure to diplomacy, leadership and high-level professional environments. The 2025 cohort included six young women who were attached to three ambassadors and three CEOs.