From GIMI Graduate to Director of HR Management: The Successful Ascension of Mr. Anthony K. Oduro
In the world of Human Resources, success is often built on a foundation of knowledge, dedication, and strategic thinking. Meet Mr. Anthony K. Oduro, Director of Human Resource Management at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana.
He successfully graduated from Galilee Institute’s Human Resources Management programme in Israel in 2017 and the course proved to be a game-changer in his career.
A Transformational Learning Experience
This immersive learning experience allowed him to gain very useful and practical insights into HR management. The programme seamlessly integrated theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, offering a dynamic fusion of theory and real-world application. It incorporated a range of engaging elements, from interactive class simulations to collaborative project work.
In his own words,
"The institute offers a very practical way of transferring knowledge within a short space of time, spiced up with study tours and general tours of religious sites."
Subtle Lessons from the Kibbutz
Mr. Oduro deeply appreciated the programme's unique setting, within a Kibbutz environment. “It had a strong influence on me regarding the unity of purpose in the workplace. When, as staff members, we agree to unite in the execution of our work, we can do the unimaginable and achieve bigger dreams for ourselves and our organizations.”
Indeed, this principle, deeply ingrained among Kibbutz members, exemplifies their core values, and he was inspired by this Israeli model of collaborative and purpose-driven work.
Challenges in a New Environment
After completing the training programme, Mr. Oduro faced an exciting yet demanding opportunity. The Ministry of Health of Ghana recognized his potential and appointed him as the Acting Director of Human Resource Management at the newly upgraded Ho Teaching Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana.
His task was to set up the hospital’s HR systems from scratch. Of course challenges abounded, including inadequate clinical staff, a lack of HR policies, and an existing HR team with low skill levels.
His Strategies for Success
Faced with the above issues, he applied his knowledge to devise the following changes:
a) Addressing Staff Shortages: Recognizing the difficulty in attracting clinical staff to the remote location, he took bold steps. He allowed new Medical Officers to enrol directly in their residency programmes, offered free accommodation and home appliances to new recruits, and provided a small monthly allowance. These incentives not only attracted more than enough staff but also fostered a sense of belonging and commitment.
b) HR Policies: To establish efficient HR operations, he worked on developing essential policies, including Leave policy, Employee Performance Management policy, Training and Development policy, and a Disciplinary Code. The policies he applied soon set the foundations for a well-organized HR department.
c) Skill Enhancement: Mr. Oduro devised a new organizational structure for the Human Resource Management Directorate, splitting it into six departments. This clear structure facilitated hands-on training for HR staff. It was a significant factor in enhancing their skills and effectiveness.
The collective efforts made the new Teaching Hospital highly attractive to medical officers and other staff. He proudly confirms that “it was successful to the extent that I could not accept all the applicants - it was a great feat achieved.”
A year later, Mr. Oduro's remarkable journey reached its pinnacle when he was offered a full position as the Director of Human Resource Management at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. This not only marked his elevation to a directorship but also made him the first person to hold this prestigious role at the hospital.
The Power of Education
Mr. Oduro's journey from GIMI graduate to Director of Human Resource Management is an inspiring success story. It showcases the transformative power of quality education and the dedication to overcoming challenges. His journey serves as a reminder that with the right knowledge, determination, and innovative strategies, you can achieve success in the dynamic field of Human Resources.
Mr. Oduro has valuable advice for those interested in pursuing a career in Human Resources:
“I recommend Galilee Institute (GIMI) to anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in Human Resources Management. You may have practiced HR for some time in your various endeavours but a top-up training at GIMI will open uncountable doors of opportunities for you. The simple reason is that their certificate is much weightier, knowing the impact you will bring to bear on your work as an HR practitioner.”
We thank Mr. Oduro for sharing this wonderful career journey and insights with us - His story serves as a guiding light for aspiring human resource professionals.
Read more here about our upcoming HR Management programme at Galilee Institute
