Prof. Ernest Aryeetey

Professor Ernest Aryeetey is an Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, and is widely recognized as one of Africa’s leading development economists. Until 31st July 2024, he served as the Secretary-General of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), where he was instrumental in promoting research collaboration among Africa’s flagship universities. Professor Aryeetey previously held the position of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ghana from 2010 to 2016, leading institutional transformation and advancing the university’s reputation as a research-intensive institution. Earlier, he held senior roles as Director of ISSER (2003–2010) and served as Senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Professor Aryeetey earned a BA in Economics with Statistics from the University of Ghana, an MSc in Regional Planning from KNUST, and a PhD from the University of Dortmund, Germany. In July 2017, he was awarded an honorary degree by the University of Sussex in recognition of his contributions to African higher education and the study of African economies.