Ernest Akrofi Obeng
Ernest Akrofi Obeng, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, is an interdisciplinary scholar and development strategist whose work bridges academia, policy, and grassroots activism. As founding Executive Director of the Youth Alliance for Research and Rural Development (YARRD), Ernest now serves as Chairperson, guiding the organization’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term impact. His leadership has shaped YARRD’s mission to empower rural youth and strengthen local governance across Ghana.
A Ph.D. candidate in Social Justice Education at the University of Toronto, with a specialization in Comparative, International, and Development Education, Ernest brings a critical lens rooted in decolonial, Indigenous, and participatory methodologies. His background includes teaching mathematics in Ghanaian schools, conducting legislative analysis for Parliament, and coordinating social justice pedagogy initiatives at OISE. As Chair, he ensures YARRD remains accountable, visionary, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.