GIMPA Rector Proposes Otumfuo Centre for Governance and Leadership
The Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, has proposed the establishment of the Otumfuo Centre for Governance and Leadership to deepen the study and application of indigenous leadership in contemporary governance.
Prof. Bonsu made the announcement during the climax of GIMPA’s 65th Anniversary celebration on November 11, 2026, where the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was the distinguished guest.
Speaking at the event, the Rector reflected on his personal connection to Asanteman, having grown up a few hundred metres away from the Manhyia Palace.
“My understanding, having grown up a few hundred metres away from Manhyia, my understanding of the traditions of Asante sometimes tells me to question a lot of things that we have imported wholeheartedly without recognition of what we had which was way better.”
He noted that Asante tradition holds significant value which, in many respects, outweighs the benefits of imported value systems.
“Asante tradition, as I understand, has significant value which outweighs many of the benefits from imported value systems as we know them,” Prof. Bonsu said.
He stressed the need for GIMPA to deepen its engagement with traditional authorities and draw lessons from indigenous wisdom to improve society.
“GIMPA must deepen its engagement with traditional authorities, seek lessons we can learn for making the society better by bridging the wisdom of our heritage with the demand of contemporary leadership.”
It was on that basis that he proposed the new centre, which will focus on the understanding of indigenous leadership within the broader context of governance structures.
“I therefore propose the Otumfuo Centre for Governance and Leadership which will focus its work on the understanding of indigenous leadership in the broader context of governance structure.”
Prof. Bonsu disclosed that Otumfuo has agreed to support the establishment of the Centre, adding that GIMPA will work on the proposal through its internal systems.
Present were Nananom, Prof. Yaw Agyeman Badu, Chairman of the Governing Council; Prof. Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector; Prof. Ebenezer Adaku, Deputy Rector; Prof. Stephen Adei, former Rector; and the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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