Prof Nana Aba Amfo Remains University Of Ghana’s Vice-chancellor After A Successful First Term

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has been reappointed as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana for a second four-year term beginning in October 2025. Her exceptional leadership and noteworthy contributions during her first term are acknowledged by her re-appointment.

According to Section 13(3) and (26) of the University’s Statutes, the Governing Council of the University made this decision at its meeting on December 19, 2024, after reviewing the report of the Search Party that the Council had appointed in October 2024.

According to Statute 13(2), the Vice-Chancellor has a four-year initial term and is eligible for re-appointment for an additional term of up to four years only.

In accordance with Statute 13 (26), the process for re-appointment of the Vice-Chancellor is to begin a year prior to the vacancy. The process for re-appointment follows the same pattern for a new appointment, except that the incumbent shall be given a first option to justify a renewal of their appointment. This ensures a fair and transparent evaluation of the Vice-Chancellor’s performance and contributions.

The procedures outlined in Statute 13(3) and (26) were rigorously adhered to, reinforcing the University’s commitment to good governance and institutional continuity.

According to the Council, throughout her first term, Professor Amfo has demonstrated a high level of dedication to enhancing the teaching and learning environment at the University of Ghana.

Notable achievements during her tenure include the modernisation of classrooms across the various campuses of the University, the implementation of the one-student-one-laptop (1S1L) initiative, the creation of hotspot comfort zones, the establishment of the Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA), the introduction of Gender and Internship Policies and the effective resolution of the University’s debt burden resulting from previous litigation.

Additionally, Professor Amfo spearheaded the establishment of the Legon Leadership Academy, an initiative designed to enrich the academic environment while advancing the University’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Her tenure has also been marked by remarkable strides in research management, digital transformation and community engagement, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of innovation and societal impact.

Under Professor Amfo’s leadership, the University of Ghana solidified its reputation as the top-ranked tertiary institution in the country. It excelled across key metrics such as education quality, research impact and societal contributions, as reflected in its strong performance in the Webometrics Rankings (2022), the AD Scientific Index (2022), the Global 2000 List by CWUR (2023) and the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings (2024).

Professor Amfo also led the development of the University’s new Strategic Plan for 2024-2029, which articulates a vision to “achieve global impact through innovative research, teaching and learning, using a technology-driven and people-centred approach.”

This plan outlines five strategic priorities: Transformative Student Experience, Impactful Research, Commitment to Faculty and Staff, Engagement and Partnerships, and Sustainable Resource Mobilisation and Stewardship.

Nicknamed the 5-4-5 blueprint, the five strategic priorities outlined in the five-year Strategic Plan have five strategic objectives each. These priorities reflect the University’s commitment to addressing the evolving landscape of higher education and ensuring that it remains a leader in the sector.

Professor Amfo is focused on consolidating the gains achieved thus far, while addressing the persistent challenges facing the University in her second term in office.

Her commitment to innovation, collaboration and the well-being of all stakeholders, including students, faculty and staff, will be pivotal in enhancing the University’s reputation both locally and globally. She aims to ensure that the University of Ghana continues to be a beacon of higher education in Ghana and beyond.

Professor Amfo is the first female vice chancellor. Her innovative leadership style and dedication to change management are demonstrated by the launch of an ambitious digitalization program that aims to improve the university experience for staff, faculty, and students. She actively participates in a number of esteemed local and international organizations, such as the International Pragmatics Association and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences.

In addition, she was the African Humanities Association’s first president. She also serves as Vice-Chair of theAfrican Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), President of theFédération Internationale des Langues et Littératures Modernes (FILLM), and a member of theAdministrative Board of theInternational Association of Universities, the Una Europa External Advisory Board, and the Governing Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

University Of Ghana And Bahamas’ Strong Partnerships In Pursuit Of Mutual objectives

Professor Amfo has a Bachelor of Arts in French and Linguistics from the University of Ghana and a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Linguistics from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The Legacy and Gadia State Award (2023), which was given during the Head of State Awards Scheme, is the most recent of many honors that have been given in recognition of her contributions to academia.

She also won the GUBA Nana Yaa Asantewaa Woman of Enlightenment Award in 2021 and the Ghana Woman of the Year for Excellence in Education Award from Glitz Africa in 2023.

As Professor Amfo assumes her new position as Vice-Chancellor, the university community is urged to support her. Her leadership will be crucial in guiding the University’s strategic direction as stated in the new strategic plan and navigating the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.