Bridging the finance and policy gap with an MPA

From leading customer acquisition strategies across Africa to analyzing the provincial budget for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance, Henry Boye has had a riveting journey in the field of public finance and policy analysis. He is now on his way to earning his Master of Public Administration (MPA) at the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy (JSGS), University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus.

Born and raised in Ghana, Boye received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and began his professional journey as a customer service team lead, swiftly rising to manage the youth banking portfolio.

Boye’s passion for driving social change is evident through his volunteer organization which increased educational infrastructure and volunteer engagement in the eastern, western, and Volta regions of Ghana.

“I strive to create impactful solutions that serve communities and JSGS’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through innovative policy solutions resonated with my career aspirations,” he said.

With USask Spring Convocation just around the corner, Boye is excited to have his family flying in to celebrate this milestone together.

“It’s incredibly special to share such an important moment with the people who have supported me throughout my journey,” he said.

As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, Boye is set to leverage his analytical skills to steer impactful policymaking at a higher level. Discussing his future plans, he said “I am particularly interested in roles that bridge the gap between financial analysis and strategic policy development.”

Boye already is off to a great start. As part of the JSGS internship program, he got the opportunity to apply his knowledge in practice. Boye’s internship with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance gave him a chance to be a part of the 2024-25 provincial budget process as a budget analyst.

“My work involved analyzing financial data, preparing budget reports, and offering insights to guide policy decisions – it was an experience that will have a lasting impact on my professional development.”

Reflecting on his MPA degree, Boye feels the program has broadened his understanding of public sector dynamics immensely.

“The program’s interdisciplinary approach has enhanced my ability to navigate complex policy environments and make data-driven decisions,” he said.

While choosing the right college as an international student can be daunting, for Boye, JSGS stood out for its curriculum that puts a strong emphasis on combining theory with practical application.

“I was drawn to the renowned faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and the opportunity to engage with a network of policy practitioners,” he said.

For new students beginning their program this fall, Boye advises them to network, stay organized, and participate in classroom discussions and projects.

“Seek practical experience through the internship program and volunteer to enhance your skillset,” he said.