GIMPA Alumni Demand Leadership Reform Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

By Osborne Annan

The Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Alumni Association is facing a major leadership crisis as members level serious allegations against the National President, Mr. Norman Yemetey Tetteh, accusing him of financial mismanagement, lack of accountability, and overstaying his mandate without elections for more than a decade.

According to aggrieved members, Mr. Tetteh has led the Association for over 10 years without organising any democratic elections, contrary to best practices and constitutional provisions.

They further alleged that millions of cedis in alumni dues remain unaccounted for, with no financial reports or independent audits presented to members throughout his tenure.

At the centre of the controversy is the alleged disappearance of over GH¢5 million in alumni funds. Members say the absence of transparency in the financial affairs of the Association has raised serious concerns.

“Norman and his executives turned the Association into their personal kingdom,” said Mr. Kwame Boadi, a graduate of GIMPA. “There’s no accountability. Alumni are completely in the dark about how their contributions are used.”

In 2016, Mr. Tetteh announced a $10 million private partnership aimed at constructing a 600-bed student hostel on GIMPA’s main campus in Accra. The project, which was expected to begin in February 2017 and be completed within two years, has since stalled, with no physical development or signboard visible on the proposed site.

“It was all a ruse,” said Ms. Serwaa Ofori, an alumna and management consultant. “There is nothing to show for the money. The project never took off, and no explanations have been given.”

Many alumni have described Tetteh’s leadership as dictatorial, claiming that he continues to control the Association without delivering any meaningful programmes or initiatives.

Some have likened his leadership to a regime that suppresses dissent while failing to unite or empower the alumni body.

“Ten years in power without results, unity, or a functioning network is not leadership. It’s abuse,” said a senior alumnus who preferred to remain anonymous.

Members have also raised concerns over the compulsory collection of dues from graduating students at congregations. They claim that while thousands of cedis are collected annually, the Association provides no services or engagement in return.

“Every year, alumni pay their dues, but there are no events, no support systems, and no return on investment,” lamented Daniel Mensah, a GIMPA graduate.

Despite growing discontent, Mr. Tetteh continues to represent the Association on GIMPA’s governing Council, where he is said to receive allowances. Alumni are questioning the legitimacy of his continued presence on the Council, given the unresolved issues surrounding his leadership.

GIMPA’s Corporate Affairs Unit has not been spared from criticism, with members accusing it of failing to respond to repeated complaints and of enabling Tetteh’s prolonged tenure.

“They’ve ignored years of concerns and shielded him from accountability. It’s disappointing,” said Ms. Grace Ofori, a prominent alumna.

In light of these developments, members of the Association are calling on GIMPA management to take decisive action. They are demanding the immediate dissolution of the current alumni leadership, a forensic audit of alumni finances, and the establishment of an interim committee to oversee elections and reforms.

They are also urging the Ministry of Education and the GIMPA Council to reject any future nomination of Tetteh as the alumni representative on the Council.

“We believe in GIMPA’s values, and we will not allow this situation to continue. It is time for a reset,” said Mr. Boadi.

Attempts by to reach Norman Tetteh and GIMPA’s Corporate Affairs Department for a response proved unsuccessful at the time of going to press.