Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amfo Honoured as AAU Ambassador for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo has been recognised as the Association of African Universities’ (AAU) Ambassador for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion. The honour was conferred at the opening of the 16th AAU Quadrennial General Conference, held at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Rabat, Morocco, under the theme “Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development of Africa.”
The AAU recognised Prof. Amfo for her visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to advancing gender equity, inclusive education and institutional reform in higher education across the continent. The citation highlighted her pioneering role as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and her relentless efforts in shaping policies that support women and marginalised groups in academia.
Describing her as “a champion for gender equity and social inclusion in African higher education,” the citation commended Prof. Amfo for her role in integrating equity principles into institutional governance and culture at the University of Ghana. Under her leadership, the University has prioritised gender-responsive policies, introduced mentorship programmes for women and implemented structural changes to create more inclusive academic and administrative environments.
She was also praised for spearheading key initiatives such as the One Student–One Laptop programme, Classroom Modernisation and Hotspot Comfort Zones, which have significantly enhanced digital access and student support. These interventions have improved learning conditions and also ensured that no student is left behind in the rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
Beyond her institutional role, Prof. Amfo has been actively engaged in continental dialogues on equity and inclusion, pushing for systemic reforms and collaborative efforts to build African universities that are equitable, accessible and responsive to the needs of all learners.
As AAU Ambassador for Gender Equity and Social Inclusion, Professor Amfo will support the Association in promoting inclusive practices, fostering collaborations and driving initiatives that advance gender equity and the participation of marginalised groups across African higher education systems.
In her response, Prof. Amfo expressed appreciation to the AAU for the recognition. “I am grateful to the Association of African Universities for this honour. Together, we will continue to champion gender equity and social inclusion in higher education in Africa,” she stated. She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the AAU’s vision of strengthening inclusive practices across African higher education systems.
The AAU, established in 1967 and headquartered in Accra, Ghana, is the continental apex body for higher education institutions in Africa. It works to improve the quality of African higher education and strengthen its contribution to development through collaboration, capacity building, and policy advocacy. This recognition of Prof. Amfo as an AAU Ambassador reflects a strategic commitment to driving institutional transformation with a gender lens at its core.
The University of Ghana community congratulates Prof. Amfo on this important recognition and reaffirms its support for her ongoing efforts to promote inclusive leadership, learner-centred education and gender equity in higher education.