The Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management, Ghana (CIHRM) has opened a new Chapter in Sunyani to expand the Institute’s reach across all regional capitals in Ghana.

The Sunyani Chapter launch, which was organised alongside the Bono Regional CIHRM Conference, was attended by the Sunyanihene, Odeefour Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Akwaboah; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako; HR practitioners; business leaders; policymakers and faculty members of academic institutions.

Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Work in Ghana: Navigating Digital Transformation and Changing Workforce Dynamics,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CIHRM, Dr. Francis Eduku, emphasised that the future of work continues to be shaped by digital transformation, new ways of working, ongoing demands for upskilling and reskilling, and sustainability imperatives.

He added that, although a large proportion of Ghana’s population consisted of youth, this segment of the population lacked the requisite competencies to navigate the new world of work.

Dr. Eduku called on all relevant stakeholders, especially the government, to prioritize investments in the nation’s human capital in order to reap the benefits of increasing advancements in technology and artificial intelligence.

Regarding what CIHRM is doing to lead the conversation on the future of work, the CEO of CIHRM stated that the Institute has been at the forefront of preparing Ghana’s workforce, leadership, and institutions for this new reality.

“The Institute is not only the regulator of the people management profession in Ghana, but a catalyst for national transformation. We continue to train future-ready HR professionals, and are currently working with the University of Ghana to establish an HR Professorial Chair to conduct research to inform labour policies and effective human capital management practices in Ghana.” 

The Bono Regional Minister challenged HR Professionals to lead the digital transformation and implement measures to drive workforce productivity.

The Minister also emphasised that the Institute remains a critical partner in Ghana’s economic transformation, noting that “the Institute’s role in standardising HR practices, developing HR Professionals, and guiding ethical workplace conduct remains crucial as the country navigates the new world of work.”

Addressing HR Professionals at the Regional Conference, Professor Elvis Asare-Bediako, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources, advised the Institute to focus on skills that would be relevant in the future.

The Vice Chancellor of the University highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between industry and academia in preparing employees to meet future work requirements, stating, “Let's work together to build a workforce that's adaptable, innovative, and equipped to drive economic growth.”

The following personalities were named as the Interim Executives of the Sunyani Chapter: Elijah Ofori Badu (Chairman), Juliet A. Benewaa (Vice Chairman), Kate Afram (Secretary/Centre Coordinator), Nicolas Oppong (Public Relations Officer), Bright Ampofo (Organiser/Head of Programme), and Sylvia Nartey (Treasurer).

The CEO of CIHRM advised the Interim Executives to lead with integrity and empathy.

He also commended Precious Gyau for his collaborative work with the Institute to bring CIHRM to the Bono Region.