GHANA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (GIMPA)
By Joyce Boahemaa Fosu
The prestigious Greenhill Campus of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) recently played host to the 5th International Symposium on West African Studies (ISWAS). This collaborative effort between GIMPA, the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), and the Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce brought together an esteemed gathering of experts and academicians from diverse nations including China, Togo, Benin, and Sierra Leone. It was Themed: ‘Promoting Social and Economic Development in West Africa from Digital Economy Transformation and Development Perspective.’ The symposium, held on Monday, 28th November, 2023, aimed to delve into the challenges and opportunities inherent in the digital economic and social development of West African countries. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, the Rector of GIMPA, emphasised the importance of the conference in tackling the pertinent issues faced by the region. He expressed his optimism about the rich discussions that would take place among scholars and practitioners, with each session providing a platform for learning and the exchange of best practices. Prof. Shurong Zhao, the Director of the Centre for West African Studies at UESTC, extended her gratitude to the participants for their attendance. Encouraging them to capitalise on the diverse opportunities the conference offered, she said, “We hope you will have an intellectually stimulating conference and a personally enlightening experience.” The event promised a wealth of insights and knowledge-sharing, fostering collaboration and understanding among the international community dedicated to advancing West Africa’s digital and economic landscape. As the symposium unfolded, it was expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on the digital transformation and development of the West African region.
DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
