Lesotho Delegation Visits Ghana to Strengthen Public Sector Leadership and Institutional Development

The Kingdom of Lesotho has taken another important step toward strengthening its public service through a high-level leadership and institutional development study tour in Accra, Ghana. The five-day programme, taking place from 3 to 7 August 2026, brings together senior government leaders and public sector officials to exchange knowledge, build leadership capacity and identify practical solutions that can improve governance in Lesotho. The initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to modernising public institutions and delivering better services to the Basotho people. By learning from Ghana’s experience in public administration and institutional reform, Lesotho aims to adapt proven African solutions that support accountability, efficiency and long-term development. The study tour also demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening governance across the African continent.

The delegation is led by the Honourable Minister of Public Service, Hon. Moeketsi Motšoane, together with the Chair of Chairs and Chairperson of Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee, Hon. Mokhothu Makhalanyane. Their leadership highlights the importance of collaboration between the Executive and Parliament in driving meaningful public sector reforms. The programme includes 22 senior officials and public sector leaders representing key government institutions, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the Accountant General, the Ministry of Public Service, the Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Parliament and several other government bodies. Bringing together leaders from different institutions allows participants to develop a shared understanding of reform priorities and encourages stronger coordination across government. This broad representation also ensures that the lessons learned can be applied across multiple sectors of Lesotho’s public administration.

One of the primary objectives of the study tour is to strengthen executive leadership while promoting institutional learning and cooperation throughout government. The programme has been designed to support the transformation of the Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management, commonly known as LIPAM, into a centre of excellence for public sector training and professional development. Strengthening LIPAM is viewed as a critical step in developing highly skilled public servants who are equipped to respond to the country’s evolving governance challenges. A stronger training institution can improve leadership development, policy implementation and organisational performance across government departments. Investing in institutional capacity also creates a foundation for sustainable improvements in public service delivery for years to come.

The delegation’s programme covers several key areas that are central to building a modern and effective public service. Participants are engaging in discussions on public sector reform, institutional transformation, executive leadership and coaching, research and innovation, institutional autonomy, knowledge transfer, benchmarking and the development of practical action plans. These topics provide opportunities to examine successful governance models while identifying reforms that can be adapted to Lesotho’s specific national context. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the programme encourages participants to develop realistic strategies that can be implemented upon their return home. This practical approach increases the likelihood that the knowledge gained during the study tour will produce meaningful and lasting improvements.

An important component of the programme involves engagement with leading Ghanaian institutions and experienced experts in public administration. The delegation is working closely with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, widely recognised for its contribution to leadership development and public sector excellence. Ghana’s experience in public administration, institutional reform and service delivery offers valuable insights that can assist Lesotho as it continues its own reform journey. Through direct interaction with experienced practitioners, participants are gaining first-hand knowledge of successful governance practices and institutional management approaches. These exchanges strengthen relationships between the two countries while promoting greater cooperation in public sector development across Africa.

Honourable Minister Moeketsi Motšoane described the study tour as an opportunity for Lesotho to learn from tested African approaches and apply relevant practices to its national reform agenda. According to the Minister, an effective public service depends on capable institutions, ethical leadership and a culture that values continuous learning and professional growth. He noted that the programme would help identify practical methods for strengthening institutional performance, improving accountability and enhancing service delivery throughout government. His remarks reflect the government’s recognition that strong leadership is essential for building public confidence and achieving national development objectives. By investing in leadership development, Lesotho aims to create a more responsive and efficient public administration that better serves its citizens.

Honourable Mokhothu Makhalanyane also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Parliament and the Executive in advancing institutional reforms. He explained that the lessons emerging from the programme would support both branches of government as they work together to improve public institutions and strengthen governance. Particular attention is being given to the transformation of institutions such as LIPAM from dependency towards semi-autonomous status, allowing them greater flexibility while maintaining accountability. He emphasised that these reforms must remain focused on meeting the needs of the Basotho people while promoting professionalism, efficiency and transparency throughout government. His comments reinforced the importance of balanced institutional development that combines independence with responsible governance.

The study tour will conclude with the development of leadership commitments and priority action plans that will guide the implementation of the LIPAM Transformation Programme. Participants are expected to return to Lesotho with practical recommendations that can strengthen executive leadership, coaching and institutional performance across the public service. These commitments will provide a roadmap for translating the lessons learned in Ghana into measurable improvements within government institutions. The programme also aims to encourage continuous collaboration among participants long after the study tour has ended, ensuring that reform efforts remain coordinated and sustainable. Such follow-up initiatives are essential for turning international learning experiences into tangible benefits for the country.

The participation of Lesotho’s political, parliamentary and administrative leadership in this important study tour reflects the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening public institutions and investing in the development of its public servants. By learning from Ghana’s successful experiences in leadership, governance and institutional reform, Lesotho is positioning itself to build a more capable, accountable and effective public service. The knowledge gained during the programme has the potential to improve policy implementation, strengthen leadership capacity and enhance service delivery across government. As the delegation prepares to return home with new ideas and practical strategies, the study tour represents another significant milestone in Lesotho’s ongoing public sector transformation journey. These efforts demonstrate a clear commitment to building stronger institutions that can deliver higher quality services and support sustainable national development for the benefit of all Basotho.