Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo Appointed AAU Ambassador for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has been appointed as the Association of African Universities’ (AAU) Ambassador for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion. The honour was conferred during the opening ceremony of the 16th AAU Quadrennial General Conference, held at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Rabat, Morocco.

Themed “Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development of Africa,” the conference convened leaders and changemakers dedicated to transforming the higher education landscape across the continent. This recognition celebrates Prof. Amfo’s contributions to inclusive education and institutional reform, marking a proud moment for the University of Ghana community.

As the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Amfo has championed the integration of equity and inclusion into the university’s core values. The AAU’s recognition reflects the collective strides made in fostering an academic environment where all students and staff, regardless of gender or background, can thrive.

The accompanying citation described Prof. Amfo as “a champion for gender equity and social inclusion in African higher education.” It highlighted key initiatives at the University of Ghana, including gender-responsive policies, mentorship programmes for women, and structural reforms that promote inclusive governance and learning. Programmes such as One Student–One Laptop, Classroom Modernisation, and Hotspot Comfort Zones were also acknowledged for enhancing access and support for students.

In her new role as AAU Ambassador, Prof. Amfo will collaborate with institutions across Africa to advance inclusive practices, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that higher education systems meet the diverse needs of learners. The appointment underscores a shared commitment to building institutions rooted in inclusion, innovation, and excellence.