Prof. Yankah’s career embraces significant leadership roles in various capacities.  He has been Ghana’s  Minister of State for Tertiary Education, Vice Chancellor of Central University, and Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he was also professor of Linguistics, his area of specialization being ethnography of communication. He was also Associate Director of the African Humanities Program established by the American Council for Learned Societies. Prof. Yankah has been a visiting professor at several renowned institutions, including Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley; the University of Michigan; University of Pennsylvania; and Indiana University. His influence and insights have extended across borders, and enriched students and faculty around the world. He was early this year given special recognition by the African Association for Rhetoric for his distinguished contribution to studies in African rhetoric. Indiana University (IU), where he did his doctorate, has also recognized him for his distinguished scholarship.

Prof. Yankah currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Council, the University of Media, Arts and Communication, a merger of Ghana Institute of Journalism, Ghana Institute of Languages and National Film and Television Institute.

Yankah is a Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences; Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences; and international Fellow, American Folklore Society. His two most recent books are: Beyond the Political Spider: Critical Issues in African Humanities (2021) and The Pen at Risk: Spilling my Little Beans (2023). Ready to be launched soon is his latest book: Proudly Ghanaian: Our Gold Still Glitters.

Yankah’s appointment as Emeritus Professor at Ashesi University underscores his lifelong commitment to education and studies in the humanities, and his readiness to continue mentoring students and young faculty.