The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has officially launched its 65th anniversary celebrations, marking more than six decades of contribution to leadership, governance, and national development.

The launch took place on Thursday, March 26, at the GIMPA Auditorium in Accra under the theme, “A legacy of excellence, a future in digital transformation.”

The event brought together management, staff, students, alumni, and key stakeholders to reflect on the institute’s journey and outline its vision for the future.

The Rector of GIMPA, Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, in his address, traced the origins of the institution to the early post-independence period.

He explained that “65 years ago, the government of Ghana and the United Nations decided to set up a school of higher learning that would support the Ghanaian takeover of the public service.”

According to him, the vision was to prepare Ghanaians to take up leadership roles in managing the affairs of the country after colonial rule. The institution, he said, started as the Institute of Public Administration in 1961 before evolving into what is now known as GIMPA.

Reflecting on the milestone, Professor Bonsu noted that the anniversary was more than just a number.

“65 years is not merely a number,” he said, adding that it represents “a lot of stories that are written in the lives of the tens of thousands who have been touched directly” by the institution.

He paid tribute to the founders, including Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as well as early faculty and students who helped build the institute.

“To the founders who had the vision for such an institution… we say you were right,” he stated, adding that their investments had “yielded returns beyond anything that we could record on a balance sheet.”

The Rector also acknowledged the sacrifices of early lecturers and the role of pioneering students, noting that they “were not just students” but “the proof of a concept” that validated the vision behind GIMPA.

Over the years, he said, the institute has grown from a small training school into a fully-fledged university offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across a wide range of disciplines.

“Our presence is felt in every aspect of Ghanaian and African society,” he said, pointing out that GIMPA alumni continue to serve as leaders in government, business, academia and civil society across the world.

Despite these achievements, Professor Bonsu highlighted a number of challenges facing the institution, including limited access for financially disadvantaged students.

“Access to quality higher education remains a privilege that too many of our young people cannot reach,” he said, revealing that GIMPA currently does not have a formal scholarship scheme.

He therefore called for the establishment of a dedicated scholarship programme to support brilliant but needy students.

Looking ahead, the Rector outlined a vision for the next phase of GIMPA’s development, built on four key pillars: excellence, access and equity, stakeholder engagement, and global citizenship rooted in Africa.

“We should seek excellence without compromise,” he said, adding that the institute must invest in top-quality teaching, research and facilities.

He also urged stronger collaboration with alumni, industry and government, noting that research should not “just end up in journals or sit on shelves” but be translated into practical solutions that improve lives.

Professor Bonsu further called for unity within the institution, warning that internal divisions could undermine progress.

Turning to students, he reminded them of their central role in the institution’s future.

“You are not the future of GIMPA. You are its present,” he said, encouraging them to make full use of the opportunities available to them.

Dean of the GIMPA Law School and Chairman of the 65th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, said the celebration would run throughout the year with a series of activities.

“We are here today with joy and gratitude to launch a year-long celebration of excellence, innovation, and service,” he said.

He noted that the anniversary would provide an opportunity to reflect on GIMPA’s achievements while renewing its commitment to national development.

Over the years, he said, the institute has become “a beacon of academic excellence, producing leaders who shape the destiny of our nation and beyond.”

Dr Agyeman-Budu outlined a range of activities planned for the anniversary year, including conferences, workshops and policy dialogues on key issues such as governance, sustainability and digital transformation.

He added that students and alumni would also lead community outreach projects aimed at supporting national development.

“The 65th anniversary celebrations will be a year-long journey with different events and initiatives every month,” he said.

The main anniversary event is scheduled for June 1, exactly 65 years after the establishment of the institute.

Dr Agyeman-Budu urged all stakeholders to take part in the celebrations and support the institution’s future growth.

“This is the moment to reconnect, to share stories, and to re-ignite our passion for excellence,” he said.

The launch also saw the unveiling of the official anniversary logo, GIMPA Alumni prestige card and related initiatives, symbolising GIMPA’s continued commitment to leadership, innovation and service.

As part of the ceremony, a 65th anniversary cake was also cut in celebration of the milestone.

Both speakers highlighted the need to build on the institution’s legacy while preparing for a rapidly changing world shaped by digital transformation and global challenges.

Professor Bonsu summed up the significance of the milestone, saying, “We do not simply look back with pride on 65 years of success. We have to look forward with purpose.”