The University of Ghana (UG) has achieved a remarkable 1st place in Ghana and West Africa, and 8th overall in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), in the inaugural QS Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings for 2026. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a leading global rankings organization, launched the rankings results on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Association of African Universities (AAU) office in Accra.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor, and Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development, represented UG at the ceremony, alongside counterparts from top SSA institutions.
Key Highlights from the Event
AAU Secretary General Prof. Olusola Oyewole welcomed guests, stressing how rankings promote excellence, accountability, and collaboration. He called on African Universities to adopt rigorous assessments that build stronger institutions and foster healthy competition.
Institutions represented included the University of Cape Coast (UCC), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ashesi University, University of Ibadan, University of Namibia, Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania), and Africa University (Zimbabwe), among others.
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, QS Vice President of Strategic and International Engagement, noted the rising global performance of African universities. He reaffirmed QS's 22-year commitment to empowering institutions worldwide.
The Product and Research Advisor for QS, Mr. Wesley da Silva Siqueira presented a methodology masterclass, covering assessment benchmarks such as student experience, graduate employability, institutional engagement, and collaboration. A Q&A session explored performance indicators in various contexts.
Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, receives certificate in recognition of UG’s achievements
Celebrating UG's Excellence
The award ceremony recognized leading African Universities featured in the 2026 QS rankings, with UG leading in first place in Ghana and West Africa. This milestone underscores UG's leadership in research, innovation, and global impact.
Prof Appiah Amfo, received the award and congratulated the entire University community for the remarkable achievement, describing it as a collective success worthy of celebration. She noted that being ranked eighth in Sub-Saharan Africa is a significant milestone that affirms the University of Ghana’s growing regional and global standing.
The event ended with a networking lunch.
A group photograph of officials of top-ranked African universities
View the full QS SSA Rankings 2026 and learn how to submit data for future assessments via our Research and Innovation Directorate