If you’ve ever strolled through the sprawling, green campus of the University of Ghana, Legon, you can almost feel the history in the air. Founded in 1948 as the University College of the Gold Coast, it’s more than just the oldest and largest university in Ghana.
It’s a cradle of national leadership, a forge where some of the brightest minds on the continent have been shaped. The alumni walking out of its gates haven’t just gotten degrees; they’ve gone on to become presidents, pioneering judges, award-winning writers, and fearless journalists.
Notable University of Ghana Alumni
Let’s meet some of the most notable figures who started their journey on that iconic Legon hill.
The Leaders: From Lecture Halls to the Highest Office
1. Nana Akufo-Addo
Long before he moved into Jubilee House, Nana Akufo-Addo was a student on campus, earning a BSc in Economics in 1967. Coming from a family deeply entrenched in Ghana’s history, his father was the third Chief Justice of Ghana.
Akufo-Addo’s path seemed destined for public service. He served as Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister for Foreign Affairs before being elected President of the Republic in 2017.
2. John Evans Atta Mills
A true Legon man through and through, President Mills’ connection to the university was profound. He didn’t just earn his LLB law degree here; he also returned as a lecturer, shaping the minds of future lawyers.
Known for his calm demeanor and scholarly approach, he served as Vice President and then as President of Ghana from 2009 until his passing in 2012.
3. Joyce Aryee
A trailblazer for women in leadership, Joyce Aryee graduated with a BA in English in 1969 and embarked on a stellar four-decade career across public and private sectors. She held several ministerial positions, including Secretary of Information and Minister of Education, and is also a respected management consultant and committed Christian leader.
The Guardians of Justice: Weighing the Scales
4. Georgina Theodora Wood
In 2007, Georgina Theodora Wood shattered a major glass ceiling when she was appointed as the first female Chief Justice of Ghana. A product of the University of Ghana Law Faculty, her remarkable career also included a stint as a police prosecutor, giving her a unique perspective on the legal system that she would later lead.
5. Akua Kuenyehia
Another giant of international law, Akua Kuenyehia’s legacy is global. After serving as Dean of the University of Ghana Law School, she made history as one of the first female judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Her work has been pivotal in prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, putting Ghana on the map of international justice.
6. Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen
Proof that Legon’s influence extends beyond Ghana’s borders, Onnoghen, a Nigerian who studied law at the university, rose to become the Chief Justice of Nigeria. His career highlights the pan-African draw and quality of a Legon education.
7. Tsatsu Tsikata
A legal prodigy, Tsikata was admitted to study law at Legon at just 16 years old and graduated with a first-class degree at 18. A brilliant legal mind, he served as a law lecturer and later as the Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), playing a key role in managing the country’s oil resources.
The Voices of Change: Pens, Poetry, and Exposés
8. Anas Aremeyaw Anas
Perhaps the most famous investigative journalist in Africa, Anas is known for his undercover work that has toppled corrupt officials in the judiciary and the Ghana Football Association. His fearless, mask-wearing persona has made him a global symbol of the fight against corruption, proving the power of a single individual to demand accountability.
9. Kofi Awoonor
Beyond politics and law, Legon has also nurtured great artists. Kofi Awoonor was a renowned poet and author whose work was deeply influenced by African oral traditions. He also served Ghana as a diplomat, representing the nation at the UN and as Ambassador to Brazil and Cuba, blending his artistic soul with a commitment to public service.
10. Elizabeth-Irene Baitie
This award-winning author shows the diverse paths Legon alumni take. Baitie studied Biochemistry and Chemistry but found her calling in writing fiction for young adults. Her work, including “The Twelfth Heart,” has won major prizes like the Burt Award for African Literature, inspiring a new generation of African readers.
The Thinkers and Economists: Shaping Minds and Markets
11. George Ayittey
A bold and influential economist, George Ayittey, took his Legon B.Sc. in Economics to the world stage. As president of the Free Africa Foundation in Washington, D.C., he became a powerful voice for economic and political reform in Africa, famously criticizing what he called the “hippo generation” of post-colonial leaders.
12. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Adding to this impressive roster is the former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Dr. Bawumia, who is a respected economist, is also a Legon alumnus, having earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics there before his postgraduate studies abroad.
His career path from the Bank of Ghana to the vice presidency further underscores the university’s role as a training ground for the nation’s top economic policymakers.
The corridors of Legon have been the starting point for an incredible array of talent. These twelve individuals are just a fraction of the university’s legacy, but they represent the spirit of excellence, leadership, and service that the institution instills.
They are a powerful reminder that the students walking to class today could be the leaders shaping Ghana and the world tomorrow.
Did we miss one of your favorite notable alumni? Share another inspiring Legon story in the comments below!
