Professor Amfo’s election was confirmed in an official statement from the ACU’s London headquarters on 8 January. She brings to the role more than 24 years of experience in academia and institutional governance, underpinned by a distinguished record of leadership at the University of Ghana.
In her remarks following the announcement, Professor Amfo expressed deep appreciation for the confidence placed in her by Council members. She emphasized the ACU’s vital role in fostering collaboration across the Commonwealth’s higher education sector, especially amid rapid global change. She highlighted her commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting equity and inclusion, and ensuring that universities continue to serve as engines of sustainable development and societal progress.
As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Amfo has spearheaded transformative institutional reforms, including a multi-million-dollar digitalisation programme that modernized teaching, learning, research and administrative systems. Her leadership trajectory also includes senior academic roles such as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Dean of the School of Languages and Head of the Department of Linguistics.
Professor Colin Riordan, ACU Secretary-General and Chief Executive, welcomed her election, underscoring her global outlook and seasoned leadership as critical to steering the Association through its ambitious Road to 2030 strategic agenda. He also paid tribute to outgoing Council Chair Professor Cheryl de la Rey of the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, whose tenure concluded on 31 December 2025 and who was recently honoured for her service to Commonwealth higher education.
The Association of Commonwealth Universities, founded in 1913, is one of the oldest international networks of higher education institutions, representing over 400 universities across more than 40 countries. The ACU facilitates academic collaboration, policy dialogue and shared solutions to global challenges, amplifying the impact of its members across borders.
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