Frimpong-Manso Institute

THEMATIC AREAS

1. MINISTRY AND THEOLOGY

The Ministry and Theology thematic area seeks to provide biblical truths and relevant skills that will empower individuals and institutions to fulfil their ministry calling. The fundamental Christian beliefs and its significance in modern society as well as contemporary theological issues, ministry concerns, methodologies facing the church in Ghana to be addressed. Thus, this thematic area will lead, influence, guide and equip the church in Ghana towards growth and train transformative ministry leaders. It exists to encourage pastors, church leaders, policy makers who are Christians and others to think biblically regarding contemporary theological issues facing the church.

2. GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY AND MANAGEMENT

In John 14:6, Jesus delivered one of His emphatic messages, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” Hence Truth, Reality, Non-Partisanship and Objectivity are essential for effective and pragmatic decision making in any human endeavour however bitter or painful. The centerpiece of the study and practice of Governance, Leadership, Management and Integrity is the Homo Sapiens in whom Change is the only constant phenomenon. Hence, in these subject areas, the Concepts, Theories, Knowledge base and practice always evolve and the lacunas/contemporary realities keep changing, views are often divergent and in some cases dissent. The Governance, Leadership, Integrity and Management Thematic Area of the Frimpong-Manso Institute intend to use applied socio-economic research on topical lacunas as they apply in intellectual discourse and real world practice, disseminate findings and solutions through Roundtable meetings, Advocacy,

Training and Publications to target end users at all levels to transform lives, institutions or organizations and nations with honest facts, biblical truths, lessons and real life experiences as sure foundations. The expected outcome is to change Mindsets, Lifestyles, Work and Business Ethics and instill a heart and value system of Integrity, Transparency, Mutual Respect and thereby Transform Communities, Organizations and Nations.

3. ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

This thematic area will consider the responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environment quality. In conserving natural resources and protecting global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, the two (2) main themes to be taken into account are:

● Some environmental stressors in Ghana that is; climate change and food security, Galamsey, flooding, pollution, climate change, energy access and security etc.

● Innovative approaches towards sustainability In addressing the environmental issues in order to preserve natural resources to support the wellbeing of current and future generations the following methodologies and others will be adopted:

● Applied environmental and socio-economic research
● Round table/World café formats to disseminate findings
● Advocacy at all relevant levels
● Training and sensitization of target groups i.e., middle to top level clergy, politicians, middle class practitioners, leaders etc.
● Publications

4. WOMEN, YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND GENDER

The thematic area will focus on the most relevant aspects of women, gender and youth related issues with the aim to affect change and empower the players involved at all levels. Also, it will design programmes and projects for capacity building by providing trainings/workshops, roundtable discussions, public symposium, mentoring sections, trainer of trainers (TOT) among other on significant topics that centers on women, youth empowerment and gender. The targeted end users are young practitioners in all spheres of live, pastors, theological institutions, women groups, students, youth groups, civil society etc.

5. ICT AND CYBER SECURITY

In relation to the emerging developments in the evolving world of digitization and technological advancement, the entire global economy is now becoming increasingly dependent on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for our day-to-day activities. Also, the practice of cyber security aims to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks so as to protect against the unauthorized exploitation of systems, data, networks and technologies. The thematic area will actively engage stakeholders and help shape the overall objective and principles underlying ICT and cyber security issues in Ghana and beyond. The key role is to equip stakeholders such as churches, schools, institutions etc. to adopt, deploy and effectively utilize ICT in education, commerce, agriculture among others. Thus, the bigger focus is to transform the economy of Ghana into a knowledge-based one using the tools of ICT and cyber security as an integral part of daily operations

6. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH

National development requires adopting global best practices and economic drivers to transform stagnant economies. It is important for Ghana to join these economies in order to succeed. The thematic area will consider practical, intellectual property by developing science and technology driven approach that can drive the economic transformation. The expected outcome of this methodology is economic transformation via biotechnology cluster development, technology-corridor development, AI driven/technology based natural resource development and remediation. Again, this will be through research and development-oriented science and technology education coupled with private, entrepreneurial biotech and technology startups, STEM, set up biotech parks or technology corridors among others.

7. MEDIA, SECURITY AND CYBER SECURITY

The media plays an important role in addressing issues within the Ghanaian context and beyond. Thus, this thematic area will conduct research, ensure transparency, provide accurate and balanced news by protecting the freedom of expression. Additionally, the area of media literacy in creating awareness, training and educating the public using multimedia, digital, virtual, publication etc. to advance communication, advocacy and social change will be promoted. The media thematic area therefore, will provide a platform for dialogue as it engages with government, civil society, media houses, individuals, youth and organizations in reaching out and influencing the public.