Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu, Supreme Court Judge, has urged Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) graduates to serve as agents of positive change in Ghana and beyond.
She said the graduates were equipped to excel professionally to justify the investment made in them.
Justice Ackah-Yensu gave the advise at the 24th Congregation of the Institute from undergraduate to graduate levels.
The graduates were from the School of Public Service and Governance, the Gimpa Law School, and the School of Technology and Social Sciences and Business.
The ceremony was on the theme: “Strengthening Partnerships for Impact in Tertiary Education.”
“Your hard work, resilience, and determination have brought you to this significant milestone.
“You have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities, embodying the values of excellence and perseverance that this distinguished institution stands for,” she said.
Institutions of higher learning, she stated, were called upon not only to impact knowledge but also to cultivate impactful collaborations that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
She said strengthening partnerships for impact in tertiary education in Africa was a crucial strategy to address challenges and harness opportunities in higher education across the continent.
“To foster impactful collaborations, our universities are encouraged to establish research networks across Africa to tackle common challenges such as climate change, public health, and technology adoption,” she said.
Justice Acqah Yensu called on Universities to engage the private sector to align curricula with market demands, fund research, and provide internship opportunities for students to thrive.
The Supreme Court Judge said forming alliances with international universities would help to exchange knowledge, share resources, and attract funding.
Other areas for collaboration, she stressed, include capacity building, student exchange, infrastructure sharing, technology and digital transformation, data sharing, and community engagement.
These partnerships have not only enriched the academic environment but have also contributed to the institution’s stature as a centre of excellence.
“GIMPA stands as a shining example of the potential of partnerships in tertiary education. Across its schools and programmes, the Institute has demonstrated a commitment to fostering connections that drive impact,” she said.
She encouraged the graduates to carry forward the knowledge, skills, and values gained as they stepped into the next chapter of their lives.
Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector, GIMPA, commended the council members for their dedication, commitment to GIMPA, and the passion that led to the success of the institution.
He said GIMPA intended to create an alumni desk early next year to maintain their contact and invite them to events at the Institute.
Mr Lateef Agyei-Wiredu won the overall best student award at the School of Public Service and Governance.
He graduated with a Master of Public Administration with a grade point of 3.81.
Source: GNA
