The newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI) has been tasked with leading a bold transformation agenda to reposition the institution as a modern, results-driven productivity think tank.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, emphasized the need for deep institutional reform, citing outdated legal frameworks and operational inefficiencies that have constrained MDPI’s performance for decades.
Dr. Pelpuo said the current legislation guiding the Institute—Legislative Instrument (LI) 1077 from 1976—has outlived its relevance, stressing that a new, comprehensive Act is urgently needed to retool MDPI into a globally competitive institution capable of delivering strategic productivity enhancement to both public and private sectors.
“As board members, your immediate priority must be to facilitate the passage of a new Bill that will give MDPI the legal strength and structure to function effectively,” Dr. Pelpuo charged.
He noted that MDPI, despite its long history, has not realized its full potential due to structural and legislative bottlenecks. He called on the newly appointed Board to act decisively to modernize the institution’s operations and enhance its visibility and relevance in national development.
Chaired by Mr. Sesay S.A. Qadir, the new six-member board includes Professor Elijah Yendaw (Director-General, MDPI), Mr. Joojo Ghansah, Mr. Euclid Ohene-Obeng, Madam Rhoda Gavor, and Mr. Joseph Kingsley Amoah.
In his response, Mr. Qadir thanked President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in the team, acknowledging the significant reforms needed to make MDPI a true engine of national productivity. He highlighted key areas requiring urgent attention, including:
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The passage of a new MDPI Act by Parliament
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Completion of the Institute’s permanent office complex at Okponglo
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Adequate and sustained budgetary support
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Human resource capacity strengthening
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Protection and development of 150 acres of land at Bosono Princess for the proposed West Africa Institute for Productivity Studies
“The task ahead is monumental, but with shared commitment and a strong reform mandate, we are prepared to reposition MDPI to serve Ghana and the sub-region effectively,” Mr. Qadir stated.
The Ministry’s Chief Director, Mr. Hamidu Adakurugu, also urged the Board to provide strategic oversight, noting that their leadership will be crucial in revitalizing MDPI to meet modern-day development challenges.
The call for reform comes at a time when the country is pursuing a broader economic recovery strategy, with productivity enhancement seen as critical to boosting growth, job creation, and institutional effectiveness.
As Ghana seeks to reset its governance and development priorities, stakeholders say institutions like the MDPI must be empowered to deliver real impact—starting with strong leadership, sound legislation, and strategic vision.
