UG Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Amfo Elected Vice-Chair of Global Universities Network
Prof. Nana Aba Amfo of the University of Ghana has been elected Vice-Chair of the Worldwide Universities Network, marking a major milestone for African academic leadership.
Padmore Yankey 
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has been elected Vice-Chair of the Partnership Board of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) — a prestigious global alliance of over 20 research-intensive universities spanning six continents.
Her election marks a historic milestone for both the University of Ghana and African academia, as she brings a powerful voice from the Global South into a key global leadership role in higher education and research.
Breaking Barriers and Leading Change
Prof. Amfo, a celebrated linguist and academic leader, became the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana in 2021. Her new role with WUN further cements her status as a visionary force in international higher education.
“I am honoured by this opportunity to contribute to a global platform dedicated to research and innovation,” said Prof. Amfo.
“As Vice-Chair, I look forward to advancing inclusive academic partnerships that reflect the voices and perspectives of the Global South.”
A Global Research Collaboration Platform
The Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) is committed to tackling critical global challenges through interdisciplinary research and international cooperation. Its members include world-renowned institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of Bristol, University of Auckland, University of Rochester, and Zhejiang University.
In her role as Vice-Chair of the Partnership Board, Prof. Amfo will collaborate with the WUN Chair and Secretariat to define strategic directions, strengthen international research ties, and drive initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing across borders.
Visionary Leadership at the University of Ghana
Since taking office, Prof. Amfo has steered the University of Ghana through a transformative period marked by digital innovation, expanded research capabilities, and a deepened commitment to inclusion and global partnerships. Her academic contributions in pragmatics and sociolinguistics have been widely recognized.
The University’s Governing Council lauded the appointment as “a proud moment for the university and a recognition of Prof. Amfo’s visionary leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to global engagement.”
Celebrating African Representation on the Global Stage
Across Ghana and the African academic community, Prof. Amfo’s election has sparked widespread celebration and reflection on the importance of representation at the highest levels of global academia.
“This is not just a personal achievement,” noted education policy analyst Dr. Kwabena Osei. “It’s a win for African scholarship, and a powerful message that African academics belong at the heart of shaping the world’s intellectual future.”
As she assumes this influential role, Prof. Nana Aba Amfo is set to amplify the contributions of African universities, advocate for equitable academic collaboration, and help shape the future of international higher education.
