GIMPA and Lesotho’s LIPAM sign MoU on public sector reform and capacity building

In a significant step toward enhancing public administration across Africa, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and the Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management (LIPAM) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on public sector reform, capacity building, and institutional development.

The formal signing ceremony took place in Maseru, Lesotho, on 10th April, 2025, marking a new chapter in Pan-African cooperation to improve governance and service delivery. The agreement seeks to advance knowledge-sharing, policy innovation, and the strengthening of public institutions in both countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Samuel Bonsu, Rector of GIMPA, emphasized the importance of self-reliance and collaboration. “We are here today because we believe in working together to drive sustainable development through improved governance. At GIMPA, we pride ourselves on managing our affairs independently, and we see great potential in supporting LIPAM as they chart a similar course.”

Professor Bonsu recalled GIMPA’s transformation from a level II public training institution to an autonomous, world-class management and public administration school, underlining that the path was not without its challenges. “There have been very good ups and some not-so-good downs. These experiences form a core part of what we’re here to share—so others don’t have to make the same mistakes.”

Ntahetseng Thlomola, Director General of LIPAM, reflected on the evolution of the partnership with GIMPA. “Our collaboration began in October last year with missions focused on stakeholder engagement. With each mission, we engaged deeper with GIMPA’s participatory and inclusive approach, which has helped us define and refine our mandate,” she said.

The Minister of Public Service of Lesotho, Honourable Stephen Mpuntu, praised the initiative, reiterating the government’s commitment to professionalizing public service in the country. “This MoU aligns perfectly with our mandate to ensure that our public officers have the skills, knowledge, and tools to serve effectively. It is only through improved public service that we can restore public trust and drive economic growth,” he remarked.

The Minister pledged full support for LIPAM’s institutional strengthening under the new partnership. “As the political head of this ministry, I will ensure LIPAM receives all necessary resources to change the face of the public service and rekindle citizens’ confidence in governance.” The collaboration between GIMPA and LIPAM is expected to yield significant results through joint research, training programs, exchange initiatives, and the development of context-specific policy solutions. Both institutions reaffirmed their shared mission to build a resilient, ethical, and professional public sector capable of meeting 21st-century challenges.