Strengthening Partnerships: GIMPA Rector Leads Delegation on Collaborative Tour to The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
By Joyce Boahemaa Fosu
As part of a strategic initiative to strengthen collaborative partnerships, a delegation from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), led by the Rector, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, embarked on a two-week tour to The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia from 2-14 February 2024.
The Ghanaian delegation, along with high-profile representatives from The Gambia, including Her Excellency Mrs Emma Mensah, Ambassador of Ghana to The Gambia (resident in Senegal); Mrs Audrey Naana Abayena, Deputy Head of Mission; Mrs. Fatou A. Barry, Deputy Director General of the Management Development Institute – The Gambia (MDI); and Mr. Sillah Conateh, Principal Management Trainer at MDI, had the honour to meet with the Vice President of the Gambia, H.E. Muhammad B.S. Jallow.
Prof. Bonsu expressed sincere delight at the privilege of meeting H.E. Muhammad B.S. Jallow and underscored the purpose of their visit – to strengthen bilateral ties between Ghana and The Gambia while exploring additional avenues for collaboration. The Rector conveyed gratitude for The Gambia’s steadfast support of GIMPA’s vital programs, particularly the Public Sector Management Training initiative.
Acknowledging The Gambia’s active participation, Prof. Bonsu highlighted the Vice President’s instrumental role in identifying and sending key talents for training at GIMPA during his tenure at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. Additionally, the delegation brought attention to the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), in which GIMPA serves as an implementing partner. Seeking the Vice President’s support in identifying mentors for returning individuals, the delegation received assurances of unwavering support.
In Sierra Leon, the GIMPA delegation, among others, met with the Deputy Minister of Youth Activities, the Head of the Public Service Commission, and the Director General of the Ministry of Defense to discuss collaborative programs towards capacity building.
The next stop was Liberia where the aim was to explore opportunities for collaborative research projects, exchange programs, and capacity-building initiatives that could support Liberia’s socio-economic development goals. By harnessing the intellectual capital of GIMPA’s alumni network and forging strategic partnerships with institutions in Liberia, the delegation aimed to contribute significantly to the advancement of various sectors crucial to Liberia’s growth.
The Ghanaian team included Prof. Yaw Agyeman Badu, former Rector of GIMPA; Dr. Patrick Tandoh-Offin, Ag. Dean of the School of Public Service and Governance; Dr. Esi Sey, Director YALI; Mrs. Dinah Asante Yartey, Consultant, Fundraising and Endowment; and Mr. Benjamin Bubuama, Assistant Registrar, Corporate Affairs and Institutional Advancement.
This collaborative tour marks a significant stride in fostering stronger ties, promoting educational partnerships, and enhancing GIMPA’s global presence. The Institute remains committed to advancing academic excellence, regional collaboration, and the empowerment of young leaders across the African continent.
DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS & INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
