H. E. Jean Lesly Benoit

Professor William Ampofo is a distinguished former Head of the Virology Department at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), within the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Virology in his post-retirement capacity.

​

Throughout his esteemed career, Professor Ampofo has undertaken various assignments across Africa on behalf of

reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Commonwealth Secretariat Health Division, US Department of Defence, German International Development Agency, and the US Agency for International Development.

​

His expertise in virology has led him to contribute significantly to WHO advisory groups, focusing on global influenza vaccine production, immunization, and pandemic influenza preparedness. He has also played pivotal roles in the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Ebola and the Influenza Vaccines Roadmap Taskforce.

​

Currently, Professor Ampofo is actively involved in the COVAX Procurement Reference Group for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, he serves as a member of the US National Research Council Health and Medicine Division Committee on Advancing Pandemic and Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Preparedness and Response.

​

Professor Ampofo's dedication to public health extends to his roles as a Board Member of the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust in Nigeria, as well as his involvement in scientific committees of the Africa Centre for Disease Control, Africa Union Commission. He also chairs the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative and co-chairs the ECOWAS Vaccines Task Force within the West African Health Organization.

​

In his national capacity, Professor Ampofo coordinates the National Laboratory Network for COVID-19 Testing, serves as a member of the National COVID-19 Task Force, and acts as the Secretary for the Presidential Committee for Vaccine Production. He also contributes his expertise to the Food and Drugs Authority Technical Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Biologicals.

​

In addition to his professional pursuits, Professor Ampofo also serves as the Custodian of the Akyem Royal Armory at the Ofori-Panyin Fie in Kyebi, Akyem-Abuakwa. This esteemed role reflects his commitment to upholding traditional values within the community.