A Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has called for a strong partnership among tertiary institutions to enable them to remain competitive and address the challenges facing the fast-changing world.

She said for instance, while tertiary education had evolved significantly, transitioning from traditional academic silos to being a dynamic globally connected system that thrived on partnership and greater "collaboration has become essential to fostering innovation, enhancing research and addressing critical developmental needs in an era of rapid globalisation" technological advancement, artificial intelligence and societal challenges.

Congregation

Ms Botchwey, who is also the Secretary General-elect of the Commonwealth, said this on the second day of the 2024 Congregation of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), last Saturday. In all,124 undergraduates and 1,200 Masters students graduated.

There were two other Doctor of Philosophy graduates.

Ms Botchwey said partnerships between institutions of higher learning, industry, government and international bodies created synergies that maximised impact, ensuring that tertiary
education remained relevant and responsive to the needs of society.

"Strong partnerships lead to curriculum enforcement, funding for research, internship opportunities and knowledge-sharing outcomes that prepare students to be solution-driven leaders.

"These alliances also facilitate student and faculty exchanges creating avenues for cultural integration and global exposure," she emphasised.

She said GIMPA, with its long-standing reputation as the centre of academic and professional excellence, stood out as an institution that had truly embraced the essence of partnerships to have
an ever deepening impact on national and global development.

Over the years, Ms Botchwey said GIMPA had been a pivotal force in building the capacity of individuals and institutions, particularly within the public and civil service.

Excellence

As a centre of excellence, Ms Botchwey said GIMPA had served as a training ground for leaders, administrators, policymakers and entrepreneurs, contributing immensely to nation-building.

"Through its innovative programmes, professional training and cutting-edge consultancy services,GIMPA has consistently provided solutions to critical governance, leadership and management challenges in the country. 

She said the institution had helped its public servants with the necessary tools to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently, thereby
strengthening institutions and enhancing service delivery across the country.

"This is particularly evident in its specialised training programmes for various arms of government, including the executive, legislative, judicial and public sector agencies.

"GIMPA has also contributed significantly to capacity building in the private sector by offering tailored programmes that address the dynamic needs of industries,” she said.

She said through its consultancy services, the institution had also played an advisory role in shaping policies and implementing best practices that fostered sustainable economic growth and development.

Ms Botchwey acknowledged the strong and fruitful relationship that had developed over the years between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and GIMPA.

The Rector of GIMPA, Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, said the institution would leverage them country and GIMPA's leadership in Africa to support collaborations with partners across Africa.

He said its investment had yielded very good benefits, including its friendships with The Gambia, Liberia, Rwanda and Sudan.

"We are collaborating with these countries well beyond student exchanges.

"We are exploring new frontiers in supporting each other to advance individual and mutual forces.

Plans are underway to offer our Masters of Public Sector Management programme in The Gambia next year.

We have also started a project with the European Union and the Government of Lesotho to help transform their public sector through a sister institution," he said.

Prof. Bonsu said partnership projects with the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone were at various stages of development.