Be Really What You Profess!

Being at the helm of a complex integrated healthcare project in Kulmasa, Northern Ghana, takes not only great energy, passion and drive - but also proven efficiency and a business-like approach. 

Sister Rita Amponsaa-Owusu, who is leading this new, multi-faceted development on behalf of the Medical Mission Sisters in West Africa, was therefore delighted to be offered an opportunity to build on her previous managerial and professional experience, as a licensed pharmacist, running the pharmacy at Techiman Hospital for 10 years. She has pursued, part-time over 2 years, a Master in Business Administration postgraduate degree (MBA), project management option, at Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).  She enrolled to start this programme in January 2020, thanks to funding made available to her by MMS’ Mission Development Center in Philadelphia, USA. Although it has been tough, for the past two and a half years, she has juggled the demands of a number of very different donors, supporting the Medical Mission Sisters in their healthcare mission in Kulmasa, whilst also finding time to study in Accra on a sessional basis and to complete the many assignments which formed part of the course. Her graduation ceremony, which took place in Accra on Saturday, 30th July 2022, was a joyful day when MMS, her family and friends joined her to celebrate her new academic achievement.

Now Sister Rita feels deeply enriched by her studies.  She says, “As a Medical Mission Sister, my priority is always to make a preferential option for the poor.  My MBA studies have greatly added to my skills in strategic decision-making and efficiency in resource utilisation. I feel so empowered and equipped for what I do!’’ 

Now back in Kulmasa, Sister Rita takes with her the requisite knowledge and skills in project management to meet the multiple challenges of her entrepreneurial role and the high standards set by donors in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Her course covered topics such as: organisational behaviour; analytical skills for decision-making; business economics and the business environment; information systems; managerial finance; operations management; marketing; strategic cost management; and supply chain management – to name but some of them. She has, through her studies, gained personal confidence, too: pitching ideas in compelling ways; writing an effective business plan; networking; and ensuring sound grant compliance for all donors.

In ways, such as these, the Society is committed to investing in the continuing professional development of its members worldwide. This helps them to realise the wish of their founder, Dr Anna Dengel, when she encouraged her community during her lifetime: “Be really what you profess!”

Many congratulations, Sister Rita!