Department of Public Administration Hosts SKKU Scholar for Guest Lecture on Collaborative Governance
The Department of Public Administration at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has hosted Prof. David Lee of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), South Korea, for an online guest lecture on “Collaborative Governance in Times of Crisis: Implications for Public Administration Reform.” The lecture was held on 4th November 2026, and attracted over 100 doctoral, masters, and undergraduate students. It provided an opportunity to explore the role of collaborative governance in addressing complex public sector challenges, particularly during periods of crisis and uncertainty. The event was organised as part of the Department’s growing international academic engagement and its efforts to establish a strategic partnership with Sungkyunkwan University.
Prof. Lee, an Associate Professor of Public Administration and Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Governance at SKKU, brought his expertise in public management, collaborative governance, policy evaluation and disaster resilience to the discussion. His presentation examined the importance of collaboration among government institutions, non-state actors and other stakeholders in strengthening public sector responses to complex interconnected challenges. Drawing on his academic and development experience, including work on development projects in Uganda and Ethiopia, Prof. Lee highlighted issues relevant to public administration reform and the need for more collaborative, responsive and resilient governance systems. The lecture generated interest among students, who actively participated in the discussion and engaged with the issues raised. The participation of students across postgraduate and undergraduate levels reflected the subject’s relevance to contemporary debates on public sector governance, institutional reform, and crisis management.
professor David Lee, Guest speaker
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, the Head of the Department of Public Administration, Prof. James Kwame Mensah noted that the initiative represents an important step toward expanding the Department’s international partnerships and strengthening its teaching, research, and academic collaboration with leading institutions worldwide. Prof. Mensah also expressed appreciation to Prof. David Lee for sharing his expertise and insights, Dr. Daniel Appiah for his instrumental role in organising the lecture, and faculty members who supported the initiative and encouraged student participation. He noted that the department continues to pursue strategic international partnerships that expose students and faculty to diverse academic perspectives, strengthen research collaboration and enhance its contribution to addressing contemporary public administration and governance challenges in Ghana and beyond. The proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Ghana and SKKU is in its final stages, creating opportunities for broader academic cooperation, including faculty and student exchanges, collaborative research, joint academic activities, and further guest lectures.