Accra, Oct. 30, GNA - The new Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Yaw Agyeman Badu, has pledged to transform the institution into a strong internationally recognised institution. "My vision is to consolidate and expand GIMPA into a great institution with a worldwide reputation for high quality work. This is the journey from Excellence to Greatness," he said at his induction as Rector. In a speech, Prof. Agyeman Badu said this target would be attained with a renewed focus on "the 4-Ps - People, Programmes, Processes and Performance".

"The challenge for us is to project GIMPA into the realm of a strong internationally recognised academic institution of greatness through excellence."

Prof. Agyeman Badu said for most part of the decade, GIMPA had pursued excellence in delivering training programmes in leadership, management and administration.

"My vision is to take GIMPA to the next level in the Institute's development, that is, to transform an excellent institution into one that is recognised globally as an outstanding Institute." Prof. Agyeman Badu said the first pillar was to make GIMPA a people-centred institution, adding history had shown that great institutions were built on the quality and output of their human resource. "Therefore, as Rector, I will be at the helm of affairs to provide leadership and guidance in mobilising resources and co-ordinating programmes and activities with the support of a strong academic faculty, dedicated support staff, participants and students, alumni and other internal and external stakeholders. I will place emphasis on inclusiveness, shared purpose, collegiality and a sense of belonging." He said the second pillar focused on academic programmes. He pointing out that at the core, GIMPA was an academic institution and they must therefore ensure that it played this critical role which involves consolidating and developing first-class programmes, and ensuring that these programmes are nationally and internationally accredited. The Rector said the third anchor addressed processes and structures to guide operations at GIMPA.

Prof. Agyeman Badu said the Institute's rapid growth and transformation had outpaced the existing structures and processes. "As a matter of urgency, new processes, structures, and procedures are being established to guide operations. The transformation to a comprehensive tertiary institution underscores the need to establish academic traditions, culture, and norms."

The Rector said the final pillar was Performance, pointing out that the measure of their achievement would be determined by performance. He pledged that internal mechanisms would be put in place to measure their performance and the data used to ensure continuous improvement in their programmes.

"In addition, we will benchmark the quality of our products against those of our peers and the best performers in our core areas of teaching and learning," Prof. Agyeman Badu said. The Rector said to attain the vision of "Greatness," a host of critical issues would have to be addressed and well designed, thoughtful and sustainable actions taken.

"GIMPA needs everyone on board - Government, Council, Management, Faculty and Staff, Alumni and Friends. Happily, I am working with a team of dedicated faculty and staff. The Alumni have also been wonderful," he added.