In a significant development, the African Research Universities Alliance (Arua) has appointed distinguished Ghanaian epidemiologist John Owusu Gyapong as its next secretary-general. The announcement was made during Arua’s biennial conference and board meeting at the University of Lagos in Nigeria from November 14 to 17.
John Owusu Gyapong, former vice-chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana, will take over from Ernest Aryeetey as the head of the 16-university alliance, assuming his role at the end of July 2024. Gyapong brings a wealth of experience, having held leadership roles at universities in Ghana and the United States, where he currently serves as a visiting professor at Georgetown University.
In addition to Gyapong's election as secretary-general, Arua's governing board welcomed Sizwe Mabizela, vice-chancellor of Rhodes University in South Africa, as the next chair, and Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, vice-chancellor of the University of Ghana, as the vice-chair. The newly appointed board leaders are set to officially assume their roles in January 2024, succeeding Barnabas Nawangwe, vice-chancellor of Makerere University in Uganda.
Professor Gyapong is an expert in infectious disease epidemiology, with a specific focus on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and malaria. His illustrious academic background includes serving as the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, where he also held the position of Professor of Epidemiology and Disease Control. Gyapong is a fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Gyapong has made significant contributions to global health discussions through his role as chair of the Scientific Committee of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) and the Ghana FDA Clinical Trials Technical Advisory Committee.
As the newly elected secretary-general, Professor Gyapong is poised to lead Arua toward greater achievements in fostering collaboration and advancing research excellence across African universities.
Article by RB Reporter
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