EPL Ghana opens applications for 2025 Public Service Fellowship, expands focus on inclusion

The Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana) has officially opened applications for its 2025 Public Service Fellowship (PSF), with a renewed focus on inclusivity and gender parity. 

The prestigious one-year leadership development programme, launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Public Services Commission, seeks to strengthen Ghana’s public sector by equipping young leaders with the necessary skills and opportunities.

This year, EPL Ghana is expanding its fellowship intake by 29%, offering 45 exceptional graduates the opportunity to be placed in public service roles across government ministries, departments, and state-owned enterprises. The programme targets Ghanaian graduates aged 22 to 32 years who have completed their one-year mandatory national service and are eager to drive systemic change in governance and policy implementation.

Championing diversity in public service

In a significant push towards inclusivity, the fellowship is prioritising applications from young women, persons with disabilities, and Mastercard Foundation Scholars who meet the eligibility criteria. EPL Ghana believes that fostering diversity within the public sector will enhance governance and service delivery.

"This year's fellowship presents a significant step forward in our mission to strengthen public service delivery that truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of young leaders in our nation," said Ms. Juliet A. Amoah, Country Director of EPL Ghana. "Core to EPL Ghana’s mission is our quest to advance gender parity and inclusion within the public service. Engaging brilliant young Ghanaians with unique experiences from diverse backgrounds, especially young women and people living with disabilities, will further enrich the public service workforce and the voices that shape our public policies and service delivery to respond to the needs of all Ghanaians."

Elizabeth-Zionita Akorfa Dzah, Programmes Manager at EPL Ghana, reinforced this commitment, stating, "Being even more ambitious for gender, diversity, and inclusion with this year’s cohort allows us to harness untapped talent pools and create pathways to public service careers for traditionally underrepresented groups. Our experience shows that diverse teams deliver better results. By attracting brilliant young Ghanaians and empowering them to become system change champions and drivers of professionalism, we will influence the pace for strengthening public service institutions and improving responsive public services delivery, and be more effective in addressing our developmental challenges."

What the fellowship offers

Now in its seventh year, the Public Service Fellowship continues to attract, develop, and retain ethically conscious and innovative leaders. The programme provides a fully sponsored one-year training that blends experiential learning with real-world job placements in Ghana’s public sector institutions. Fellows will be equipped with leadership, analytical, and policy-making skills, preparing them to drive excellence within the public service.

How to apply

Applications are open from March 10 to April 21, 2025. Interested candidates can access the application form via EPL Ghana’s ‘Nyansapo’ Knowledge Portal at https://fellowships.eplghana.org/applicants/sign_up. Applicants are also encouraged to follow EPL Ghana’s social media channels for updates and additional information.

For more details, visit www.emergingpublicleaders.org or contact David Derwornu Gikunoo Gomado via david@emergingpublicleaders.org or +233 0537 935 507.