Dr. Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah was re-elected at the 33rd International Council Meeting (ICM) to serve as a member of the International Board of Amnesty International from August 2017 until 2021. 

The ICM was attended by representatives from over 70 countries in the world. The election was held at the Marriot Rome Park Hotel, Italy on the 14 of August, 2017.

Vincent was previously elected to the Board in August 2013 and remained there until his re-election. Congratulations! Go and make UEW, Ghana and indeed the World Proud!

Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah

Vincent Adzahlie-Mensah is Ghanaian academic at the University of Education, Winneba with extensive experience in research, organizational leadership and institutional governance. He holds a PhD in International Education and Development from the University of Sussex, UK; an MPhil in Conflict Resolution and a BEd. in Social Studies from the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. In his professional life Vincent has undertaken research for many international organizations including The Economist Intelligence Unit (UK), British Council (UK), USAID, World Vision and Australia Aid.

Vincent joined Amnesty International in 2001. Since then, he has served in various capacities, including as a member of the National Council, where he served as liaison for the West Africa Human Rights Education Project. He became Board Chair of AI Ghana in January 2009. During that period he led AI Ghana - developing policies, establishing effective governance systems and a leadership development programme – in the transition to regain section status in 2012. During that time Vincent was also a member of the Governance Committee of the International Board, and was involved in developing the Core Standards. He was elected as member of the International Board of Amnesty International in August 2013. 

Outside of Amnesty International, Vincent was a member of the Steering Committee of the Ghana Human Rights NGOs Forum. He served as a member of the Governing Council of the University of Education, Winneba. He served as Board member of several organizations including Facts for the Youth in the Southern Sector (an affiliate of the International Organisation on Migration in Ghana). He was a Director of Advocates and Trainers for Women’s Welfare Advancement and Rights. He was National Coordinator for Youth Development Foundation (YODEF). He also worked as liaison for Youth for Human Rights International in human rights education.

INTERNATIONAL BOARD

The International Board consists of nine people, each of whom is a member of Amnesty International. They are elected to office by the biennial International Council Meeting (ICM).

The International Board members’ four-year terms are staggered, with half the members up for re-election at each ICM. Each member is eligible for re-election for a maximum of two consecutive terms.

The International Board may not include more than one member from any Amnesty International national body or more than one member of Amnesty International from any country, state or territory in which no Amnesty International body exists.

The International Board meets at least two times during any one year and in practice meets at least four times a year.

The International Board's role is to provide guidance and leadership for the Amnesty International movement worldwide. 

Its chief functions are set down by the statute and include to:

• ensure the movement’s compliance with Amnesty International's statute
• ensure implementation of Amnesty International's Integrated Strategic Plan
• ensure the sound financial management of Amnesty International at the international level
• provide consent for the establishment of sections, structures and other bodies of Amnesty International
• hold sections, structures and other bodies of Amnesty International accountable for their functioning by presenting reports to the International Council Meeting
• take international decisions on behalf of Amnesty International
• ensure human resources development  

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