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Transforming lives: the U’s journey to prosperity in West Africa

An aerial view of the new Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Prosperity at Ensign Global College in Kpong, Ghana.

In the heart of West Africa, the University of Utah and Ensign Global College have joined forces through the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity to unveil a groundbreaking initiative—the Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Prosperity (CLIP)

This exceptional facility, established in Ghana, aspires to accelerate economic and social development on a global scale. At its core, CLIP integrates finance, impact, entrepreneurship, innovation, and policy with health, striving to uplift communities and reshape lives.

President of Ensign Global College and U professor, Stephen Alder, underlines CLIP’s mission—to champion self-reliant approaches for creating value, steering pathways to prosperity.

“The activities housed at CLIP aim to not only benefit Ghana but also contribute to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), fostering robust diplomatic ties between Ghana and the USA,” said Alder.

Chairwoman of the Board of Governors for Ensign Global College, Dr. Lynette Gay, officially opens the Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Prosperity during the dedication ceremony in November 2023. Also, pictured are College President, Professor Stephen Alder; Donors, Glen and Shelina Way, and Board of Governor member, Togbe Afede XIV.

November 2023 marked the inauguration of CLIP, supported by a collaborative grant from Ensign Global College, the University of Utah, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA). Unitus Labs, Robert and Lynette Gay, Mike and Joyce Murray, Glen and Shelina Way, and private anonymous donors also played pivotal roles. The journey commenced in July 2019, and by September 2023, the new facility stood as a testament to collaboration and dedication.

The enduring partnership between Ensign Global College and the U, now in its 10th year, remained resilient even during the COVID-19 pandemic. CLIP acts as an avenue to enhance existing programs and birth new initiatives, fortifying this global alliance.

Health 2 Go (H2Go)

Operational for over six years, H2Go, a community health worker program, provides basic health services to underserved communities in Ghana. Under the guidance of Professor Alder and Dr. Stephen Manortey, Director of Programs at Ensign Global College, H2Go utilizes an adapted version of the Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) program. Collaborating with the Ghana Health Service, Alder and Manortey envision expanding H2Go’s impact across Ghana and beyond.

Ghana Branch of the University of Utah Center for Global Surgery

Students from Ensign Global College partner with the University of Utah Center for Global Surgery to promote breast cancer awareness in local markets in Ghana.

With a decade-long experience in West Africa, Asia, and North America, the U’s Center for Surgery collaborates with Ensign Global College, promoting year-round activity and robust engagement with stakeholders. Dr. Edward Kofi Sutherland, Faculty and Medical Director at Ensign Global College, emphasizes their commitment to evidence-based research, focusing on women’s health and cancer research.

Prosperity U Global

Professor Don Wardell, University of Utah, David Eccles Faculty and Francis A. Madsen Scholar and Ensign Global College President, Professor Stephen Alder presented certificates at the conclusion of the executive education course, Managing Quality in Healthcare: Creating Healthy Processes in February 2022.

Since 2019, the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity has been offering global opportunities for U students in Ghana. CLIP extends these opportunities, allowing students to work hand-in-hand with local communities, fostering prosperity. Stephanie Dutson, a Masters of International Affairs and Global Enterprise student, shares how her Ghana experience reshaped her perspective and deepened her understanding of global issues.

Global Prosperity U facilitates opportunities for top faculty to share knowledge in Ghana. Professor Don Wardell’s experience at Ensign Global College underscores the practical applications of quality principles in healthcare delivery.

For more information on the University of Utah’s partnership with Ensign Global College and CLIP, visit prosperityu.utah.edu. Join us in celebrating a journey of innovation, prosperity, and positive global impact.