The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has honored former President John Agyekum Kufour and the Omanhene of Asante Asokore, Nana Susubiribi Krobea Asante, with honourary degrees during a special congregation held in Accra.

President Kufuor, who led Ghana from 2001 to 2009, was awarded a Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his immense national service and policies that revolutionised the nation’s social structure and economics.

Nana Susubribi Krobea Asante, known in private life as S.K.B. Asante, was also honored with the Distinguished Professor award for his significant impact on the legal profession and his role as a model for public service excellence.

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.

“These are two distinguished gentlemen who have served our nation very well, and given the nature of our mandate as GIMPA, building capacity for the public sector in particular we felt that it was right to recognize them in the way that we did.

"We did that to let them know we appreciate the work, the sacrifice, and all the commitments that they have made for the benefit of our country,” he said.

The Chairman of the GIMPA Governing Council, Kofi Darko Asante, while reading the citation of the former President Kufour, said, “For your distinguished public service, economic and social transformation of Ghana, and contribution to peaceful conflict resolution in Africa and globally, no institution is more proud than GIMPA, and we honor your continuing contribution to transformational leadership globally.
By virtue of the powers conferred on me by the GIMPA Act 2004 (Act 676) and with the authority of the Governing Council, I confer on you the degree DLitt (Doctor of Letters), honoris causa, with all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges appertaining thereto, here and elsewhere”.

In his acceptance speech, 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.

“Misinformation is very damning, and we must be vigilant as a nation in safeguarding the integrity of information in our society. The topic of illegal mining and the proper use of our natural resources is one we must address with critical analysis and urgency to achieve the long-term solution we must have.

"I therefore urge thought leaders, such as the Academia and special institutions like GIMPA, to take up the mantle and lead conversations that bring practical solutions to these pressing national challenges.”

Prof. S.K.B. Asante, on the other hand, thanked GIMPA for the honor and also reciprocated his gratitude toward President Kufuor, crediting him for the opportunities that shaped his public service and legal career.

President Kufuor, known for his remarkable achievements during his presidency from 2001 to 2009, has left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history.

His administration’s domestic policy focused on stabilizing the economy, promoting private sector growth, and enhancing social service.

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.

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) was established in 1961 as a joint Ghana government/United Nations Special Fund Project as the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) to develop the public administrative systems and to produce civil servants with the administrative and professional competence to plan and administer national, regional, and local services.