GIMPA and the Ghana Institute of Procurement Supply (GIPS) Sign MoU to Bridge the Gap between Academia and Industry
By Joyce Boahemaa Fosu
A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry has been signed by GIMPA and the Ghana Institute of Procurement Supply (GIPS) on August 1, 2023, at the Greenhill campus, GIMPA. The MoU was also aimed at ensuring professionalism in the practice of the procurement profession by building the capacity of these professionals.
Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, the Rector of GIMPA, who welcomed the team from GIPS stated that such partnerships were dear to GIMPA because the benefits derived were mutual and even extends beyond. He again emphasized the need to bring industry to the classroom and vice versa. ‘These kinds of collaborations are the avenues by which this can be done,’ he reiterated. Prof. Bonsu expressed his excitement about the collaboration, adding that it would enrich students’ lives by enhancing their learning and facilitating the engagement of GIMPA’s faculty. He thanked GIPS for choosing GIMPA.
The President of GIPS, Mr. Simon Annan said the ceremony was a historic one for GIPS because it has set the tone for the beautiful relationship that had begun between GIMPA and GIPS while at the same time laying an excellent foundation for future engagements. He stated that GIPS was the central organisation for professionals, practitioners, and students of the procurement supply chain profession and is dedicated to promoting a high standard of integrity and accountability in respect of the practice of procurement and supply in Ghana.
‘The Institute continues to promote, regulate and certify the procurement professionals in Ghana by building confidence and professionalism in its members,’ he stated. Mr. Annan, on behalf of the GIPS Council and members, expressed his utmost appreciation to GIMPA for the opportunity, adding that the gesture was a reflection of the Institute’s mandate of collaborating with industry. Mrs. Araba Kudiabor, a member of GIPS Council said the ceremony was very significant because it sought to establish the terms and conditions which would govern the collaboration; that is towards advancing efforts in building the capacity of supply chain professionals. She added that GIPS was aware and proud that GIMPA was organising procurement and supply chain programmes. The collaboration was, therefore, apt and timely. She was optimistic that the partnership would be very fruitful and beneficial to both institutions and the country as a whole.
The Secretary of the Institute, Dr. Victoria Kunbour reiterated GIMPA’s commitment to partnering industry, saying this was evident in the theme chosen for the Institute’s 23rd congregation held over the weekend: ‘ Building synergies, harnessing the potential of academia, government, and industry for growth.’ ‘This is an example of the synergy that was envisaged in the theme chosen for the congregation, she stressed. Prof. Ebenezer Adaku, Head of the Management Science Department, GIMPA stated that a partnership such as this would contribute to helping the Department realise its vision of being positioned as the leading Management Science Department in Ghana and beyond.
According to him, in the quest of achieving this vision, the department would be guided by four main core values namely; passion, integrity excellence, and service. He expressed his appreciation to the faculty and staff of the Management Science Department and was especially thankful to Dr. Jemima Ottou for her relentless effort in the project. Also present was the Dean of the GIMPA Business School, Prof. Samuel Famiyeh.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS & INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
