Former UG Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID), Prof. John O. Gyapong Takes Over as ARUA Secretary-General

Earlier this month, Prof. John O. Gyapong, a former faculty member and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, began his new role as Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

Prof. Gyapong succeeds Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, who was the founding Secretary-General of ARUA and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University. This leadership transition highlights the University of Ghana’s important role in ARUA, an Alliance focused on strengthening research and graduate training across Africa. 

The University’s influence within ARUA is further underscored by the fact that the current Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, serves as the Vice Board Chair of ARUA. Prof. Gyapong’s new position reinforces the University of Ghana’s legacy of producing leaders who drive impactful research collaborations across the continent.

In a statement from ARUA’s Head Office, the Alliance expressed confidence in Prof. Gyapong’s leadership, stating, “We welcome Prof. Gyapong to his new office and wish him well as he steers the affairs of ARUA. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey for his pioneering work and wish him a happy retirement.”

Prof. Gyapong’s appointment was approved by the ARUA Board during its meeting at the University of Lagos on November 14, 2023. With a career spanning over three decades, Prof. Gyapong is a Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, specialising in infectious disease epidemiology, particularly, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and malaria. 

He earned his medical degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and went on to obtain a Master of Science in Public Health in Developing Countries and a PhD in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London.

Before becoming Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, Prof. Gyapong served for five years as Pro Vice-Chancellor (RID) at the University of Ghana, where he played a key role in enhancing the University's research capabilities and promoting international collaborations. He has also held academic positions at Georgetown University in Washington, DC and has been actively involved in global health initiatives.

With his extensive experience both within and beyond the University of Ghana, Prof. Gyapong is well-equipped to lead ARUA in advancing collaborative research and capacity building across Africa. As Secretary-General, he aims to build on the foundation laid by Prof. Aryeetey by further strengthening ARUA’s global partnerships and promoting research that addresses Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Prof. Gyapong’s contributions to global health and higher education are widely recognised, with over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals and numerous roles on international scientific committees, including his current position as Chair of the Scientific Committee of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).

His appointment underscores the University’s ongoing role in shaping the future of research and education in Africa. As ARUA continues to grow, the University’s influence within the Alliance remains strong, with its leaders at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence across the continent.

Management and members of the University community extend their warmest congratulations to Prof. Gyapong and wish him every success in his new role as ARUA Secretary-General.