Accra, Ghana – On Monday, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah called on the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and its collaborators to harness research and innovation to spearhead digital transformation and enhance governance throughout West Africa. This directive was issued during the inauguration of the Centre for West African Studies for Digital Public Governance, coinciding with GIMPA’s 65th-anniversary celebrations.
Driving Digital Governance in West Africa
The newly established Centre is envisioned as a vital hub for generating knowledge that can inform policy, bolster institutions, and strategically position the West African sub-region to capitalize on the opportunities presented by emerging digital technologies. Mr. Debrah emphasized that West Africa cannot afford to be a passive spectator in the ongoing global digital revolution.
“We are living through a period of rapid digital transformation. Artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, digital financial systems and e-governance are reshaping how economies grow, how governments deliver services and how citizens participate in public life,” Mr. Debrah stated.
He further stressed the urgency for the region’s active participation, adding, “West Africa must not be a passive bystander of that transformation.”
A Strategic Partnership for Knowledge Production
The Ghanaian government views the Centre, a product of collaboration between GIMPA and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), as a strategic asset. It is expected to significantly support Ghana’s national digital agenda and elevate West Africa from a mere consumer of global digital ideas to a producer of knowledge and innovation.
Mr. Debrah urged the Centre to ensure its research outputs actively influence public policy, parliamentary discussions, and development planning across the sub-region. “Let the work of this Centre find its way into policy, into Parliament and into the planning offices of West African governments. That is the measure of a think tank that truly serves,” he declared.
This partnership uniquely combines UESTC’s advanced expertise in electronic science and technology with GIMPA’s established strengths in public administration and governance. This synergy is intended to create a robust platform dedicated to fostering Africa’s digital future.
Commitment to Education and Data-Driven Development
The government reiterated its commitment to a knowledge-driven development model. This is underscored by the allocation of GHS33.3 billion to the education sector in the 2026 Budget, signaling a strong dedication to enhancing the quality of education.
Establishing a Digital Public Governance Hub
During the event, GIMPA and UESTC formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Digital Public Governance Hub at GIMPA. This hub is projected to become the largest of its kind in West Africa.
Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, highlighted the hub’s crucial role in collecting and analyzing governance data across Africa. This data will be instrumental in supporting evidence-based decision-making for governments and other institutions. “Many of our governments do not have the requisite data to make effective decisions. We want to mobilise data effectively for use by governments and other institutions to improve development outcomes,” he explained.
The implementation of this initiative is set to commence in the coming months, with the goal of having the hub fully operational within one year.
GIMPA’s Legacy and Future Role
Founded on June 1, 1961, GIMPA has a long-standing mandate to build capacity in leadership, governance, and public sector management. While it has expanded its educational offerings to include business, law, technology, and social sciences, its core mission in public administration training remains central.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of the Centre for West African Studies for Digital Public Governance and the forthcoming Digital Public Governance Hub mark a significant step for the region. The focus will now be on how effectively this new infrastructure can translate research into actionable policies and tangible improvements in governance and digital inclusion across West Africa.
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