Global Leadership, Innovation and Development Academy launched to bridge gap between academic learning and industry skills

The Global Leadership, Innovation and Development Academy (GLIDA) has been launched in Accra to bridge the gap between academic learning and the practical skills required in leadership, business, governance, diplomacy and other professional fields.

The academy, a collaborative initiative involving the Malaysian High Commission in Ghana and its organisers, was officially launched on Friday, October 16, with support from Malaysian educational institutions and other stakeholders.

GLIDA aims to equip professionals, entrepreneurs, public sector leaders and young people with industry-relevant competencies through executive training, research, consultancy, innovation and international collaborations.

Speaking at the launch, the academy’s Founder and President, Riffath-Yakub Abubakar, said the initiative was designed to address the disconnect between conventional education and the practical competencies required in the workplace.

He said many professionals assume leadership and managerial responsibilities without receiving formal training in the skills needed to perform those roles effectively.

“Where the school ends, that is where we take it from,” he told ModernGhana News on the sidelines of the event, explaining that the academy would provide training in areas where conventional academic programmes often fall short.

Mr Abubakar said GLIDA had developed 17 programmes, with three selected for its initial rollout.

The programmes are Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy, Brand Development and Public Relations, and Corporate Governance and Diplomacy.

Applications for the pilot programmes opened on October 16 and are scheduled to close on November 16, 2026.

The academy’s first cohort is expected to begin training in January 2027.

Prospective applicants are required to visit the academy’s website, www.glida-edu.org, review the available programmes and apply.

The founder said the programmes were designed to combine professional training, practical experience, industry exposure and strategic networking rather than replicate conventional university courses.

He also announced that participants would have an opportunity to undertake a three-week educational and business exploration programme in Malaysia after completing their training.

According to him, the programme would include one week of international certification in trade, finance and investment, alongside opportunities to explore business partnerships, franchising and other commercial prospects.

Malaysia pledges support for collaboration

Malaysian High Commissioner to Ghana, Yaghi Ibrahim, said the academy reflects the potential of cooperation between Ghana and Malaysia in education, leadership development and innovation.

He said Malaysia is committed to supporting collaboration between GLIDA, Malaysian educational institutions and Ghanaian academic institutions in areas including executive leadership, governance, diplomacy, digitalisation, technical skills and trade.

“GLIDA is designed not just to grant certificates, but to shape ethical, innovative, and values-driven leaders who will build resilient institutions across Ghana and Africa,” he said.

The High Commissioner highlighted the participation of Education Malaysia Global Services and the University of Malaya, describing their involvement as an opportunity to strengthen academic exchange and institutional cooperation.

Calls for stronger development institutions

Also speaking at the event, former Finance Minister Seth Terkper, who delivered remarks on behalf of Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, urged Ghana to strengthen its development institutions and prepare for the economic demands associated with rising income levels.

He explained that when countries move into higher income categories, they may lose access to some grants and concessional financing, increasing the need for stronger domestic financing mechanisms and well-prepared borrowing arrangements.

Mr Terkper said Ghana needed to learn from economies that had built institutions to support investment, industrial development and long-term economic growth.

He urged GLIDA to contribute to the development of leadership and institutional capacity needed to support Ghana’s economic transformation.

He stressed that Ghana’s development would require effective institutions, strategic international partnerships and the capacity to manage investment and financing beyond reliance on grants and concessional loans.

The former minister also highlighted Malaysia’s development experience as a potential source of lessons for Ghana as it seeks to strengthen its economic position.