LEAPS Program launched in Ghana to Strengthen Public Sector Leadership

The Leadership Excellence in Africa’s Public Sector (LEAPS) program, a flagship initiative under the Enhancing Leadership and Governance in Public Financial Management (ELG-PFM) in Africa, was officially launched in Accra on November 19, 2024.

The launch, performed by the Coordinating Director of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), David Klottey Collison, on behalf of the Chief Director, marks a significant step in empowering senior public finance managers across Africa. The program aims to equip these leaders with the critical skills needed to tackle complex fiscal challenges and drive transformative governance.

Commitment to Leadership Excellence 

In a keynote address, the Chief Director reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to fostering strong, accountable, and visionary leadership in Africa’s public sector. He stressed that public financial management (PFM) is at the heart of good governance, emphasizing the need for leaders to be well-equipped to handle the intricate challenges of today’s fiscal environment.

“The LEAPS program provides a unique platform for senior public officials from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Zimbabwe to learn, engage, and lead with excellence,” he stated.

Program Details 

Over the next two years, the LEAPS program will train 60 senior officials, divided into four cohorts of 15 participants each. Participants will undergo a six-month intensive leadership development program tailored specifically to the African context.

The curriculum covers key areas such as self-leadership, organizational dynamics, strategic planning, and public financial management. The program is designed not only to enhance leadership skills but also to promote practical, real-world approaches to governance, transparency, and accountability.

Broader Vision for Leadership 

The Director of Programs at the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), a key partner in the initiative, highlighted the need for African public sector leaders to transcend technical expertise.

“The challenges we face today—complex fiscal landscapes, global economic pressures, and the demand for responsive governance—require leaders who combine technical knowledge with soft skills like integrity, adaptability, collaboration, and visionary thinking,” the Director emphasized.

Ghana Joins the Initiative 

Following its debut in Zimbabwe earlier this month, Ghana becomes the latest host for LEAPS. The program will also be implemented in other target countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Multifaceted Approach to Capacity Building 

LEAPS employs a comprehensive approach to capacity building, integrating:

– Self-paced virtual learning modules

– Coaching and mentorship sessions led by African PFM specialists

– Workshops on emerging issues such as AI in PFM, Green PFM, and crisis management in public finance

By focusing on both individual and collective leadership dynamics, the program seeks to cultivate ethical decision-making, accountability, and effective collaboration within the public sector.

A Call to Action 

Addressing Ghana’s first cohort, the Director urged participants to seize the opportunity to lead with purpose. “This is not just a learning journey; it is a commitment to the future. Your participation is a pathway to creating a legacy of stability, prosperity, and hope for your institutions and countries,” they remarked.

The event drew high-ranking officials, reflecting the importance of the program. The Director expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian government for its support, emphasizing the pivotal role of senior public finance leaders in shaping Africa’s future.

Transformative Impact 

The LEAPS program aspires to transform Africa’s public finance managers into leaders capable of leveraging resources for sustainable development and financial resilience. By providing leaders with the tools, skills, and networks necessary to effect meaningful change, the program promises to leave a lasting impact on governance and public service excellence across the continent.

As it expands its reach, LEAPS heralds a new era of African leadership—one that balances competence with the human qualities essential for transformative governance.

By Evelyn Naadu Borquaye || ghananewsonline.com.gh