A moment of shared pride — Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and ISSER Director Prof. Robert Darko Osei during the symposium in his honour.
The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) hosted a special symposium in honour of its past Director and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Emeritus Professor Ernest Aryeetey, under the theme “Placing Research at the Centre of Higher Education in Africa.”
The event, chaired by Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, drew an audience of distinguished scholars, Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors, and institutional leaders from across Africa. Also in attendance were members of the Old Achimotans Association (OAA), Presec Old Boys Association, African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), friends, family, and representatives from the corporate community — all united by respect and deep gratitude for a man whose work and mentorship have shaped generations of academics and leaders.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Amfo described Prof. Aryeetey as “a scholar par excellence, a leader, and an institutional builder whose career has left an indelible mark on higher education in Africa.” She noted that the theme aptly captured both the essence of his life’s work and the broader challenges facing African universities today. His career, she said, exemplified how research, when placed at the centre of academia, can drive institutional transformation and national development.
Beyond honouring Prof. Aryeetey’s contributions, ISSER Director, Prof. Robert Darko Osei, noted that the event also served as a moment of reflection and collective recommitment to the ideals the honouree has championed throughout his career. He described the symposium as “not merely a ceremonial tribute, but a space for reflection and renewal,” expressing gratitude to Prof. Aryeetey “for showing us, through a life of exemplary scholarship and service, what it means to believe in the power of research to transform a continent.”
In his response, Emeritus Prof. Ernest Aryeetey expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, ISSER, the Organising Committee, and all participants for the honour done him. He described the symposium as deeply humbling and uplifting, acknowledging that “to be celebrated by one’s own community of scholars, mentees, and colleagues is one of the highest honours a teacher and researcher can receive.”
The event — an evening of heartfelt tributes, fond memories, and invaluable lessons on life and career — brought together colleagues, collaborators, and mentees whose paths had crossed with the celebrant. Taking turns to share their reflections were Prof. John Gyapong, Prof. Elizabeth Asiedu, Prof. Peter Quartey, Prof. Murray Leibbrandt, and Prof. Christopher Udry, alongside moving testimonies from Profs. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, Nkechi Owoo, Joshua Abor, and Ama Pokuaa Fenny.
Building institutions and advancing higher education in Africa
Drawing from his five years as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development under Prof. Aryeetey’s leadership, Prof. John Gyapong reflected on his colleague’s extraordinary record as a visionary institution builder and reformer. He described him as a leader with “a strong belief in institutional purpose” who “always put the institution first” and carried people along, even in the face of resistance. Prof. Gyapong highlighted landmark reforms that reshaped the University of Ghana — strengthening academic governance through the collegiate system, expanding postgraduate training, and promoting equity and diversity. He noted that “his focus on research was unparalleled,” adding that “he had a way of getting everyone on board and creating ownership for change, even when the process was difficult.”
He further recounted transformative investments that defined Prof. Aryeetey’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor, including the retooling of laboratories, refurbishment of infrastructure, and creation of four Centres of Excellence that positioned the University as a truly research-intensive institution. “That retooling of our infrastructure was a game changer,” he said, crediting it with elevating the University’s competitiveness and global partnerships. Beyond Legon, Prof. Gyapong celebrated Prof. Aryeetey’s pioneering role as founding Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), “the man who carried the vision forward — building it from scratch into a vibrant network of leading African universities working with their global peers.”
Connecting the African diaspora and economic research in Africa
In a humorous and heartfelt reflection, Prof. Elizabeth Asiedu (Howard University) recounted her 38-year association with Prof. Aryeetey, recalling how his decision to return to Ghana after studying in Germany revealed his deep sense of belonging. “He said that on his daily walk past a cemetery, it dawned on him it would be pretty lonely to be buried far from home,” she shared, adding with a smile, “I’m not sure which economic theory explains that the dead have feelings, but it taught me about the importance of contributing to one’s own community.”
She said the experience taught her two enduring lessons: “He never criticised diaspora economists for leaving; instead, he focused on how we might still collaborate to build something meaningful.” Equally, she saw in him “a humility that listens, challenges without ego, and creates space for voices still finding their footing.” Calling him “a steady supporter and a champion of women economists,” Prof. Asiedu praised his belief that “inclusion is not optional, but essential for strong leadership.” Through his work at the University of Ghana, ARUA and beyond, she concluded, Prof. Aryeetey continues to build bridges “between Africa and its diaspora, between knowledge and policy, and between vision and reality.”
Nurturing mentorship, building capacity, and leaving a legacy
Reflecting on mentorship and capacity building, Prof. Peter Quartey described Prof. Aryeetey as “a great mentor who combines vision with humility and discipline.” Their first encounter, he recalled, was an intense exchange of questions that “made me rethink everything I thought I knew.” Through initiatives such as the Principal Research Assistant programme, Prof. Aryeetey created structured pathways for young economists to grow into leaders. “He wanted young people to rise and take over,” Prof. Quartey said, “he never wanted us to stay too comfortable.”
Beyond ISSER, Prof. Aryeetey’s mentorship reached across Africa through the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), Brookings, and ARUA, nurturing scholars and shaping research culture on the continent. Prof. Quartey noted that his boldness and humility made lasting impressions: “He stood his ground when the decisions were tough, yet remained approachable to all.” Everywhere he goes, he added, “someone asks about him — a reminder of how far his influence has travelled.” His mentorship, Prof. Quartey concluded, “isn’t just about advising; it’s about demonstrating how to do research, how to lead, and how to live purposefully.”
Research, Policy, and Partnerships that Transform
Profs. Christopher Udry (Northwestern University), Murray Leibbrandt (University of Cape Town), and Victor Murinde (Executive Director, AERC, Nairobi) reflected on how Prof. Aryeetey’s leadership has bridged research, policy, and practice across Africa. Together, their tributes illuminated a scholar who has made African research both rigorous and policy-relevant — advancing inclusion, collaboration, and evidence-driven decision-making through institutions like AERC, Brookings, and ARUA.
Prof. Udry shared personal and professional reflections on Prof. Aryeetey’s influence, recalling how his mentorship and example “made research fun” and shaped a culture where “if you weren’t doing research, you weren’t in town.” He praised him as a leader who didn’t just advise but demonstrated how to do impactful research and build communities around it. “He showed us that academics must not only publish,” Udry noted, “but also connect their work to policy and people.” The reflections by his peers reinforced this legacy — of scholarship that is bold in inquiry, grounded in collaboration, and transformative in impact.
Professors honour the mentor who shaped their paths
mentees turned leaders, a testament to Prof. Aryeetey’s lasting impact.
Tributes from Profs. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako, Joshua Abor, Nkechi Owoo, and Ama Pokuaa Fenny revealed a shared story — that of a mentor who listened, challenged, and created space for growth.
Prof. Gyeke-Dako recalled her first meeting with him as a young PhD student: “Within 30 minutes, he dismantled my understanding and rebuilt it from a sharper perspective. He’s been a mentor, a father figure, and a friend — a leader who listens and lifts others.”
Prof. Abor described his early encounters with Prof. Aryeetey as transformative: “He didn’t just advise us; he demonstrated how to do research. He introduced the Readers’ Project, which brought academics together. When I became Dean, I adopted it because I saw how it built community.”
For Prof. Owoo, who began her journey as a national service person in ISSER’s Director’s Office, mentorship meant opportunity and belief: “He doesn’t simply open doors; he invites you in, asks what you’re drinking, and celebrates you in your absence.” She credited him for shaping her research identity and leadership approach — “anchored in questions that matter for African economies.”
Prof. Fenny, meanwhile, reflected on being recruited as a young research assistant: “He told us if we didn’t pursue a PhD within three years, we’d have to leave — and he meant it. That push changed my life. He believed in us more than we believed in ourselves.”
Together, their reflections painted a portrait of mentorship that multiplies — producing generations of researchers, policy leaders, and academics who now mentor others.
Celebrating a life that continues to inspire
In her closing remarks, Prof. Amfo described the evening as “an enriching reflection on a life of integrity, impact, and inspiration.” She shared personal anecdotes of being invited by Prof. Aryeetey to join his vision implementation team as Vice-Chancellor — opportunities that, she said, “shaped how I think about leadership and service.”
Quoting from a tribute she first shared at ARUA’s board meeting in Pretoria, she remarked, “He dreams big and pushes for them to come true. He recognises difficulties but refuses to be deterred. He walked when the applause was loudest, leaving a solid foundation for African universities to build upon collaboratively.”
The symposium, held at the ISSER Conference Facility, University of Ghana, on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, was moderated by Mr. Bernard Avle and organised by a dedicated committee chaired by Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour, with members Dr. Nana Ama Asante-Poku, Mawuena Akuamoah-Boateng, Dr. Emmanuel Abbey, Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Danso, and Vicentia Quartey.
Watch the full event here.
See more photos from the event.
By Vicentia Quartey
Photos: Selina Avleshie
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