The Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Samuel Bonsu, has called for coaching to be fully embedded in leadership development systems, describing it as a powerful tool that transforms knowledge into wisdom and potential into real-world impact.
He made the appeal on Tuesday, April 14, during a keynote address at the Pre-ICW 2026 Campus Coaching Seminar, hosted by the GIMPA Business School as part of its Student Week celebrations. The event took place at the GB Auditorium on the Green Hills Campus under the theme “Celebrating the Power of Coaching and Exploring Its Impact on Personal and Professional Growth.”
Prof. Bonsu argued that coaching should no longer be viewed as an optional support service, but rather as a core element of how future leaders are shaped and developed.
The seminar brought together leading voices in coaching and human development, including Master Certified Coach President Scofray Nana Yaw Yeboah; Dean of the GIMPA Business School, Prof. Bernard Obeng Acquah; Acting Chief Human Resources Officer of MTN Ghana, Abdullah Ibrahim; as well as students, faculty members, industry professionals and other thought leaders.
Coaching at the centre of leadership development
Prof. Bonsu emphasised that coaching plays a vital role in building resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking leaders who can navigate increasingly complex organisational and global challenges.
He noted that GIMPA’s reputation in leadership development is anchored not only in academic excellence, but also in a strong culture of coaching, mentorship and reflective learning.
“For decades, GIMPA has stood at the forefront of leadership development,” he said, adding that the institute has produced thousands of professionals serving in key roles across both the public and private sectors in Ghana and beyond.
He further revealed that more than 100 Members of Parliament, along with several ministers, chief executives and senior public officials, are among the institution’s alumni — a testament to its wide-reaching influence.
“Coaching has been central to the GIMPA experience”
According to Prof. Bonsu, the achievements of GIMPA graduates are closely tied to the institution’s consistent use of coaching principles in its training model.
“Behind these achievements lies the consistent application of coaching principles — mentorship, reflective learning, integrated project work and continuous professional development,” he explained. “Coaching has not been peripheral; it has been central to the GIMPA experience.”
He added that alumni continue to demonstrate the value of coaching through strong leadership qualities such as self-awareness, resilience, adaptability and a growth mindset, which he described as essential in today’s world.
Call for lifelong coaching mindset
Prof. Bonsu urged students to embrace coaching not only as an academic support system, but as a lifelong approach to personal and professional growth. He encouraged them to actively seek feedback, reflect on their experiences and commit to continuous self-improvement.
He also called on alumni to take a more active role in mentoring younger generations, stressing that their involvement is key to sustaining the institution’s leadership legacy.
“As alumni, your role is critical in sustaining this culture,” he said. “By mentoring the next generation, you ensure that the values and principles that define GIMPA continue to thrive.”
Institutional commitment
Prof. Bonsu commended the GIMPA Business School for organising the seminar, describing it as a timely initiative that strengthens experiential learning and leadership development.
The Pre-ICW 2026 Campus Coaching Seminar is part of broader efforts to advance coaching as a professional discipline in Ghana and to position it as a key driver of leadership development across the region.