The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) is currently undertaking a working visit to the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new opportunities in teaching, research, and academic exchange.
The two-member SDU delegation, comprising Christian Vester Nielsen and Yulia Tinyakova, was officially welcomed during a breakfast meeting hosted by GIMPA’s First Deputy Rector, Prof. Ebenezer Adaku.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Adaku expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the value of the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. He noted that the collaboration has already delivered significant mutual benefits and continues to present new opportunities for growth.
Speaking on behalf of SDU, Mr. Nielsen emphasized the university’s strong commitment to innovation and global partnerships. He described SDU as a place “where innovation meets collaboration” and highlighted Denmark’s strategic outlook, which recognizes the 21st century as the “Century of Africa.” He further noted that Denmark’s primary export is knowledge and stressed SDU’s interest in collaborating with leading African institutions such as GIMPA to harness the potential of emerging talent.
Prof. Adaku, in response, underscored the alignment between both institutions, particularly in talent development and academic excellence. He indicated that the partnership is evolving, with an increasing focus on faculty research collaboration and joint academic initiatives.
Also contributing to the discussions, the Dean of the GIMPA Business School, Prof. Bernard Acquah Obeng, highlighted GIMPA’s position as a self-financing institution with a strong record of sustainability. He advocated for a greater emphasis on practical learning, including enhanced coaching sessions to provide students with real-world experience. He also stressed the importance of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into academic programmes, recommending targeted training and the use of case studies that blend theory with modern technological applications.
The Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Victoria M. P. Kunbuor, reinforced the importance of experiential learning, noting that practical exposure significantly enhances knowledge retention. She called for expanded exchange programmes for both staff and students to deepen cross-cultural engagement and professional development.
Representatives from the Dean of Students’ Affairs, the GIMPA Law School, and staff from the Corporate Affairs and Institutional Advancement Directorates also attended the meeting.
The ongoing visit builds on a history of collaboration between GIMPA and SDU, including student exchange programmes and summer schools. Both institutions have expressed optimism that the engagement will lead to stronger research partnerships, faculty development initiatives, and increased international exposure for students.
The engagement comes at a time when GIMPA continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution in management and public administration education in Africa, while SDU expands its global partnerships in line with Denmark’s strategic focus on the continent.
