GIMPA alumni demand leadership reform amid allegations of mismanagement

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Alumni Association is facing a leadership crisis. Members are unhappy with National President Mr. Norman Yemetey Tetteh. They accuse him of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and overstaying his term.

Mr. Tetteh has held power for over a decade without democratic elections. This goes against the Association's constitutional rules and best practices. A major concern is the alleged disappearance of over GH¢5 million in alumni dues.

Members claim no financial statements or independent audits have been shared during Mr. Tetteh’s tenure. “Norman and his executives have run the Association like a personal kingdom,” said alumnus Mr. Kwame Boadi. He added, “There’s no accountability; alumni don’t know how their contributions are spent.”

In 2016, Mr. Tetteh announced a $10 million project for a hostel at GIMPA's main campus in Accra. The project was supposed to start in February 2017 and finish within two years. However, there has been no progress or explanation since then.

“It was all a ruse,” said alumna Ms. Serwaa Ofori. She noted that there is nothing to show for the money collected, and no one has explained why the project failed.

Critics describe Mr. Tetteh’s leadership as authoritarian, claiming it discourages participation among alumni members. A senior alumnus stated that ten years without results shows an abuse of office.

Concerns also arise about mandatory dues collected from graduating students with little return on investment. Recent graduate Daniel Mensah lamented that thousands of cedis are collected yearly but yield no events or programs.

Despite dissatisfaction, Mr. Tetteh still represents the Association on GIMPA’s Governing Council, where he likely receives allowances. Many alumni question his legitimacy on the Council due to unresolved issues regarding elections.

According to the constitution, elections should occur every three years. The GIMPA Corporate Affairs Unit faces criticism for its inaction regarding complaints about Mr. Tetteh's leadership.

“They’ve ignored our calls for change,” said alumna Ms. Grace Ofori, expressing disappointment in their complicity.

In response to this crisis, many members demand urgent action:

1. Immediate dissolution of current alumni leadership.
2. A full forensic audit of financial records.
3. Formation of an interim committee for elections and reforms.
4. Rejection of any future nomination for Mr. Tetteh on GIMPA’s Council.

“We believe in GIMPA's values,” said Mr. Boadi, emphasizing the need for change.

When asked about election delays by Classfmonline.com, Mr.Tetteh responded that an election is coming soon and a meeting is scheduled with management in two weeks to set timelines for elections.