The Faculty of Law of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) has announced the commencement of four Master of Laws (LLM) degree courses, with the first batch of students expected to enrol in January 2024.
The dean of GIMPA Law, Kwaku Agyeman-Budu, disclosed this in his speech at a ceremony to launch the GIMPA Law Alumni Association on Wednesday (20 September 2023) at the GB auditorium on the GIMPA campus.
“While we gather here to recognise the essential role of our alumni in furthering the vision and objectives of GIMPA Law, we are excited to discuss the roadmap for integrating our esteemed alumni into the development of our Faculty through some innovative programmes and projects which we propose to foster a stronger connection between GIMPA Law and our cherished alumni community,” Dr Agyeman-Budu said.
“It is with great privilege that I announce a rollout of four Master of Laws degree programmes to be offered by GIMPA Law, beginning in January 2024,” Agyeman-Budu said.
The LLM courses
Dr Agyeman-Budu said the four pioneer Master of Laws degree courses at GIMPA are a general LLM; an LLM in international trade and business law; an LLM in dispute resolution law and practice; and an LLM in international criminal law and justice.
Throwing more light on the courses, Agyeman-Budu said: “The first, the general Master of Laws degree (LLM), is a programme designed to allow students to curate and customise their studies due to the wide range of course offerings, and in accordance with their intellectual and professional interests. The programme aims to promote multidisciplinary legal studies in Ghana and beyond.
“Again, with a view of taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, hosted in Ghana, and our country’s strategic location in respect of global trade, the second programme we have designed is a Master of Laws degree in international trade and business law.
“This programme is curated for persons who seek to further their academic or professional journey in international trade, investment and business across Africa, with a special blend of civil and common law perspectives.
“Thirdly, we will be offering a Master of Laws degree in dispute resolution law and practice, which is aimed at preparing candidates for a career in cross-border dispute resolution – due to the increased demand for professionals well versed in addressing commercial, investment and other disputes swiftly. It is in pursuance of this demand and need that we have designed this particular LLM programme,” the dean of GIMPA Law said.
“Finally, taking advantage of our long-standing partnership with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands, and the hosting of the African Centre of International Criminal Justice (ACICJ) at GIMPA Law, we have designed a Master of Laws degree … in international criminal law and justice for students who seek to pursue a career in international and transnational criminal justice.
“As security and transnational legal co-operation concerns continue to challenge Africa, more than ever we need more locally trained professionals, including legal professionals, who understand the cultural, political and socio-economic dynamics of international criminal law and justice, to contribute to addressing the challenges we face. This LLM programme is designed purposely for that,” Dr Agyeman-Budu said.
Alumni applications
Dr Agyeman-Budu announced that a special arrangement has been worked out for all GIMPA Law alumni who wish to enrol on any of the four LLM courses, to make the application process convenient for them.
“For our alumni intending to apply to these LLM programmes, I am pleased to announce that we are designing a platform which will expedite the application process and make it seamless for you.
“We are spearheading an intra-institutional collaboration with the Academic Affairs and IT Directorates to transmit the LLB transcripts and the academic information of such alumni applicants, with ease and taking advantage of technology,” he said.
Contribution of former deans
The role played by previous deans of GIMPA Law from its inception in 2010 did not go unnoticed in Agyeman-Budu’s address. He said all his predecessors made notable contributions which have led to the growth and good reputation of GIMPA Law.
“Without their vision, committed service and initiative in mobilising students, staff, faculty members and strategic partners to boost the growth of the law school, we certainly would not have such an illustrious alumni body as we do today.
“I therefore wish to particularly commend – Professor Kwame Frimpong, our founding dean, who served from 2010 to 2012; Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, who served as dean from 2012 to 2018; Professor Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, who also served as honorific dean from 2019 to 2020; and Dr Alex Ansong, who served as acting dean from 2020 until I assumed office in September 2022,” Agyeman-Budu said.
“Their unwavering dedication and commitment to our cause, even till this day, has made our school what it is today, continuously impacting generations of students and alumni. I remain ever grateful for such a formidable foundation laid, on which we stand today,” he said.
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