Prof. Kodzo Gavua, Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, is a distinguished archaeologist, heritage scholar, and academic administrator with a career spanning over three decades in higher education, research, and national cultural policy leadership. He holds a PhD in Archaeology and an MA in African Archaeology from the University of Calgary, Canada, as well as an MA in International Affairs and a BA (Hons) in Archaeology and Philosophy from the University of Ghana. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the University of Ghana and has previously served as Dean of the School of Arts and Head of Department.

Prof. Gavua’s academic and research interests focus on cultural and heritage resource management, identity construction, and the legacies of slavery and cross-cultural interactions in Africa. He has led or participated in over 20 national and international research projects, including collaborations with institutions such as The British Museum, the University of Rochester, and the University of Balearic Islands. His scholarly work has been widely published in international journals and edited volumes, contributing significantly to the global discourse on African heritage, restitution, and memory.

In public service, Prof. Gavua has served on the Governing Council of the University of Ghana, chaired the Ghana Heritage Committee, led Ghana’s Focal Team on Restitution and Reparation, and acted as Chair of the Board of the National Theatre of Ghana. He has also consulted for institutions like The British Museum and held several visiting scholar positions at globally recognized universities including the University of Exeter, University of Bristol, and Indiana University. A committed educator, he has taught and supervised at undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring over 80 students through long essays, MPhil theses, and PhD dissertations.

Prof. Gavua is a member of several professional associations, including the African Studies Association (ASA), World Archaeological Congress (WAC), Pan-African Archaeological Association (PAA), Society of Africanist Archaeologists (SAFA), and West African Archaeological Association (WAAA). His appointment as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Health and Allied Sciences brings to the institution a wealth of experience in academic governance, research leadership, and a deep commitment to the preservation and promotion of African heritage.