AAU Courtesy Visit to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reinforces Partnership for Higher Education and African Integration

On Monday, 10 August 2026, the Secretary General of the Association of African Universities (AAU), Professor Olusola Bandele Oyewole, led a senior management delegation on a courtesy visit to Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at his office in Accra. The visit reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between the AAU and the Government of Ghana and underscored both parties’ shared commitment to advancing higher education across the continent.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Association to express its deep appreciation to the Government and people of Ghana for their unwavering hospitality since the AAU’s establishment in 1967, and for hosting its Secretariat in Accra since 1970. This enduring partnership continues to provide a vital foundation for the AAU’s continental higher education mandate and its ongoing engagement with Ghana on matters of mutual interest.

A central focus of the discussions was Ghana’s role in advancing African integration. Prof. Oyewole commended the Government’s bold decision to grant visa-free entry to African passport holders, describing the initiative as a significant step towards African integration, mobility and Pan-African unity. Greater mobility across the continent stands to strengthen connections among African people and institutions – including universities, researchers, academics and students. The initiative therefore carries direct relevance for advancing academic exchange, research collaboration, institutional partnerships and knowledge sharing across Africa.

Prof. Oyewole reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to continue providing academic, research, policy and institutional support to Ghana, while supporting the country’s efforts to advance higher education and continental development priorities. Discussions also covered matters of mutual interest, including the AAU’s diplomatic status in Ghana, its strategic partnership with the Government of Ghana on higher education, and other issues of importance to the Association and to the advancement of higher education across Africa.

The engagement underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the AAU and the Government of Ghana at a time when higher education is increasingly central to Africa’s development and transformation. Through its continental network, the AAU continues to promote cooperation among African universities and to strengthen collective efforts in higher education, research, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Ghana’s longstanding hosting of the AAU Secretariat in Accra remains a powerful expression of the country’s commitment to Pan-African cooperation and to the development of higher education across the continent. The courtesy visit further reinforced the shared interest in deepening this relationship and identifying opportunities for continued collaboration.

Our current role as the lead for Higher Education, Research and Innovation under the African Union’s Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2026 – 2035) positions us to advance this agenda at scale – working with governments, universities and partners to translate continental priorities into tangible outcomes for Africa’s people.