At a recent Special Congregation, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) awarded honorary degrees to former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Susubribi Krobea Boaten Asante, the Paramount Chief of Asokore Asante. President Kufuor, who served as Ghana’s president from 2001 to 2009, was given a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for his extensive contributions to the country, highlighting his exceptional public service and initiatives that transformed Ghana’s economy and social landscape. Meanwhile, Nana Asante was honored with the Distinguished Professor award for his significant impact on the legal profession and his role as a model for public service excellence. GIMPA lauded both individuals for their moral courage, integrity, and the significant roles they have played in Ghana’s development.
The former president’s tenure was marked by substantial achievements in various sectors including education, health, and infrastructure, which were essential for the country’s multi-faceted growth. Concurrently, he chaired the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), during which he played a pivotal role in mediating peace and reconstruction efforts in post-conflict nations such as Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. GIMPA officially recognized Kufuor’s multifaceted efforts not only for his national contributions but also for his broader influence in advocating peaceful resolutions throughout Africa and beyond.
Nana Asante, recognized for his legal acumen and leadership, was a pioneering figure in academia as the first Ghanaian to hold significant positions at the University of Ghana and the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce. As the Chairman of the Committee of Experts responsible for drafting Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, he has been integral to the nation’s enduring peace and stability. His career has been characterized by a commitment to justice and ethical leadership, making him a prominent figure in the Ghanaian legal landscape. GIMPA emphasized the importance of his contributions, which extend beyond legal matters into the realms of governance and civic duty.
During the ceremony, President Kufuor expressed pride in receiving this honor and took the opportunity to address contemporary challenges facing the nation, particularly the rise of misinformation in the media. He highlighted a recent incident involving the misrepresentation of his comments regarding illegal mining and called upon the media to uphold integrity and responsibility in their reporting. Kufuor warned that the proliferation of misinformation poses a significant threat to societal cohesion and national progress. He encouraged GIMPA to spearhead discussions aimed at finding sustainable solutions to pressing issues like illegal mining, which has environmental and social implications.
Nana Asante reciprocated his gratitude toward President Kufuor, crediting him for the opportunities that shaped his public service and legal career. His remarks underscored a belief in the potential of Ghanaians to drive national development while advocating for a merit-based approach in public service appointments. Emphasizing the need for a meritocracy, Nana Asante suggested that leveraging local expertise would significantly contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
Professor Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, the Rector of GIMPA, endorsed the awards by praising President Kufuor and Nana Asante for their exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to societal advancement. He asserted that their achievements resonate with GIMPA’s values and mission, demonstrating how individuals can shape their communities through integrity, hard work, and dedication to public service. The GIMPA community celebrated these remarkable individuals, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and honoring those who have significantly impacted Ghana’s journey toward development and stability.
