The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration has officially launched its 65th anniversary celebrations with a strong call for the institution to refocus on its foundational mandate of grooming ethical, competent and transformational leaders for Ghana’s public service.
Delivering the keynote address at the colourful ceremony, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, emphasised that GIMPA’s growth over the years must not come at the expense of its core responsibility.
“GIMPA must remain, first and foremost, Ghana’s premier training ground for public sector leadership and administrative excellence,” he declared.
The Minister noted that while the institution has expanded academically and diversified its programmes, it must remain firmly anchored in its original purpose of strengthening governance through capacity building in the public sector.
Leadership gaps and national development
Mr Ibrahim expressed concern about what he described as a growing leadership deficit across various sectors in Ghana, stressing that the nation’s challenges go beyond funding constraints.
“The challenges confronting our country are not solely about resources or policy frameworks. They are also about leadership capacity, ethical discipline, institutional management and administrative competence,” he stated.
He pointed out that GIMPA’s unique model of training both public servants and politicians places it at the centre of efforts to address these challenges.
“GIMPA trains the politicians and the public servants at the same time. So GIMPA holds the key,” he said.
Drawing on his personal experience as an alumnus, the Minister described the institution as one that blends theory with practice, equipping students with real-world skills that directly impact governance and decision-making.
Rector highlights 65 years of impact
In a detailed welcome address, the Rector of GIMPA, Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, reflected on the institution’s rich history and enduring relevance in Ghana’s development journey.
He traced GIMPA’s origins to 1961, when it was established as the Institute of Public Administration through a partnership between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations, in line with the vision of Kwame Nkrumah to localise the country’s civil service.
According to him, the goal at the time was clear: to develop a new generation of Ghanaian leaders, thinkers and administrators capable of managing the affairs of the state with competence and integrity.
“Sixty-five years ago, the government of Ghana and the United Nations decided to set up a school of higher learning that would support the Ghanaian takeover of the public service,” he said.
Prof. Bonsu stressed that the anniversary is not merely a celebration of longevity, but a reflection of the profound impact the institution has had on individuals and the nation.
“The 65 years is not merely a number. It represents stories—stories written in the lives of the tens of thousands who have been touched directly by our dear GIMPA,” he noted.
He paid glowing tribute to the founders, faculty and successive leaders of the institution, acknowledging their sacrifices and vision in building GIMPA into what it is today.
“To the founders who had the vision for such an institution at a moment when our nation was still finding its feet… we say you were right,” he said.
He also recognised the pioneering faculty who worked under challenging conditions in the early years, noting that their dedication laid the foundation for the institute’s current success.
Beyond its academic achievements, Prof. Bonsu described GIMPA as a serene and inspiring environment that nurtures both intellectual and personal growth, referring to it as a place of “quiet beauty” that supports reflection and excellence.
He further highlighted the institution’s evolution over the decades—from a specialised training centre for civil servants to a globally recognised centre for higher learning in business, governance and public administration.
Sustaining excellence through innovation
Also speaking on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, described GIMPA as a critical pillar in Ghana’s governance structure.
He noted that the institution has trained a significant number of public officials, including Members of Parliament and senior administrators, thereby shaping the country’s governance framework.
“Over six decades, GIMPA has quietly forged Ghana’s governance backbone,” he said.
Mr Terkper commended the institute’s efforts towards digital transformation, including the adoption of paperless systems, and encouraged it to deepen its role in supporting government reforms, particularly in areas such as public financial management and digital governance.
A celebration with purpose
The anniversary launch, held under the theme “A legacy of excellence, a future of digital transformation,” featured a series of activities including musical interludes, poetry performances, the unveiling of the anniversary logo, and goodwill messages from alumni and stakeholders.
The programme also highlighted GIMPA’s extensive network of alumni associations, staff bodies and student leadership, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to the institute’s growth.
As the year-long celebration unfolds, culminating in a grand gala in June 2026, stakeholders say the focus will remain on strengthening GIMPA’s relevance in a rapidly changing world.
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