UG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amfo Elected Chair of Association of Commonwealth Universities Council
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has been elected Chair of the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities for an initial two-year term, effective 1 January 2026.
Prof. Amfo's election to the role was announced in a release from the head office of the Association in London on January 8, 2026. In her new role, she will also serve as Chair of the Executive Committee of Council, providing leadership and strategic direction to the Association’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 led major institutional reforms, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation programme aimed at improving teaching, learning, research and administrative systems. Her previous roles at the University include Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Dean of the School of Languages and Head of the Department of Linguistics.
She has also contributed to higher education governance beyond the University of Ghana through leadership and service within regional and global academic networks.
Prior to her election as Chair, Prof. Amfo served on the Governing Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, where she was inducted as one of eight new members following her appointment on 1 August 2024.
Commenting on her election, Prof. Amfo said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by Council. 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 added, “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.”
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Prof. Colin Riordan, welcomed Prof. Amfo’s election and described her as 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. As we implement the Road to 2030 strategy, Prof. Amfo’s vision and insight will be important in advancing our priorities and ensuring impact,” he noted.
Prof. Riordan also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair of Council, Prof. Cheryl de la Rey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, whose term ended on 31 December 2025, acknowledging her service to the Association and the wider Commonwealth higher education community.
Prof. de la Rey was honoured with the Symons Award at the 2025 Association of Commonwealth Universities Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, in recognition of her contribution to the organisation.
The University of Ghana community is elated by this international appointment and commends Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo’s stellar leadership, which has earned the trust of the global higher education community. Members of the University wish her success in her role, in which she seeks to strengthen collaboration, advance equity and inclusion and ensure higher education continues to serve as a force for sustainable development and societal transformation.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities is one of the world’s oldest international university networks, bringing together more than 500 member institutions to promote collaboration, innovation and the advancement of higher education across the Commonwealth.
Read more about the ACU Council:
https://www.acu.ac.uk/about-us/governance/
Read the official announcement