The University of Ghana, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM), has officially launched the country’s first Professorial Chair in Human Resource Management. This initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing research, professional training, and policy development in the field of HR.
It further seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice in human resource management, while aligning closely with Ghana’s broader national development objectives.
The launch event, held at the University of Ghana Business School on Tuesday, May 13, saw the participation of academics, government officials, students, industry professionals, and members of the media.
A Turning Point for Human Capital Development
Delivering the keynote on the purpose and significance of the Professorial Chair, Dr. Ellen Hagan, Chair of the Fundraising Committee and a renowned HR consultant, emphasized that the initiative is not just about academia but about national transformation.
“When we talk about a Professorial Chair in Human Resource Management, it might sound like something reserved for academia. But this is about putting the spotlight, resources, and brainpower behind a powerful idea—that the way we manage our people in Ghana matters,” she said.
Dr. Hagan explained that the Chair is intended to foster research rooted in Ghanaian realities, influence national HR policy, and elevate the standards of HR practice across public and private institutions. “Without a well-managed workforce, no strategy can take off, no institution can thrive, and no nation can reach its full potential,” she asserted.
She connected the establishment of the Chair to Ghana’s recent recognition of HR as a Chartered profession, noting that it will support the newly mandated regulatory and professional development roles of CIHRM. “It’s not a ‘nice to have.’ It’s long overdue,” she added.
Dr. Hagan called on stakeholders—from policymakers to students—to support and engage with the initiative. “This Chair isn’t a side project. It’s a direct investment in the leadership engine that drives all of Ghana’s development goals forward.”
HR’s Strategic Role in Nation-Building
CIHRM President, Mrs. Florence Hutchful, also delivered a relevant message, linking effective HR management to national growth and productivity. “Ghana’s development depends on a well-trained and effectively managed workforce. This is an essential pillar and the foundation of any thriving nation,” she said.
Mrs. Hutchful drew attention to worrying trends in workplace ethics and productivity, citing examples of managerial neglect and employee misconduct.
“At a recent business forum, the President himself expressed concern about the exploitation of employment opportunities by some workers. This behavior reflects a deeper challenge confronting our national HR values,” she shared.
Highlighting the CIHRM’s initiatives to elevate HR professionalism, she spoke of the pending rollout of national HR standards, the importance of ethical conduct, and the value of character in the workplace. According to her, CIHRM will continue to emphasize that staff development should not only focus on competencies but also on shaping ethical behavior.
“This Professorial Chair will drive context-specific research to inform effective HR policy and practice—an important step toward Ghana’s growth agenda,” she added.
A Year-Long Campaign to Institutionalize the Chair
The CEO of CIHRM, Dr. Francis Eduku, presented the roadmap for fundraising and awareness creation activities to support and institutionalize the Professorial Chair. “This is not a one-day event. The Professorial Chair will be institutionalized through a year-long program of activities, engagement, and resource mobilization,” he revealed.
Key upcoming activities include:
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Corporate Walk (June 14) from Legon to Ayi Mensah to raise awareness and promote wellness among HR professionals.
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Major HR Conference (June 19) themed “The Professorial Chair as a Catalyst for HR Excellence in Ghana”.
- HR Community Forum (July 17) bringing together HR practitioners from public, private, and non-governmental sectors.
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CEO Roundtable (August 22) to address the perception of HR as an administrative rather than strategic function.
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Public Lecture (October 16) to explore the link between HR and national development.
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End-of-Year Review (November 22) to evaluate the progress, challenges, and next steps of the initiative.
Dr. Eduku made a passionate call for financial support, noting the substantial investment required to sustain a five-year tenure for the Professorial Chair. “We need a significant financial commitment to make this a success. This Chair is a game changer, and we must all contribute to realise its full impact.”
For his part, the Head of the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management at UGBS, Prof. Obi Damoah, emphasized that the event was just one of several activities outlined in the MOU between the partnering institutions.
He highlighted the historical significance of the initiative and the challenges businesses have faced over the years. He issued a clear call to action, urging participants to begin contributing immediately toward the initiative.
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