GHANA
One of Ghana’s leading academics has decried the increased political polarisation of the country’s Public Service, saying it will be the ruin of the institution.
Former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, George K.T. Oduro (pictured) said the polarisation, particularly among Public Service leaders, was fast undermining the principles underlying public management and administration.
“If this is not checked, it will stifle Public Service institutions and ultimately the development agenda of the country,” Professor Oduro warned.
He underscored the need to make public institutions accountable, responsive and efficient by promoting a more public interest–oriented public management and administration.
Professor Oduro said what was more threatening was the politics-focused, “heads must roll” orientation that continued to characterise the Civil Service whenever there was a change of Government.
“If as a nation we really value the public-interest principle underlying Public Service management and administration and are genuinely committed to maximising the benefits associated with our Public Service delivery, then we need to protect the Public Service by ensuring that we do not politicise its operations,” Professor Oduro said.
He said it was only when conscious efforts were made to protect and support the leadership of Public Service institutions that the public could maximise the benefits of technologies and innovations in the Public Service.
“In the twenty-first century, the bureaucracy has become more complex, and central to the complexity are tasks associated with technology advancement, which require that Public Servants demonstrate competencies in information technology,” Professor Oduro said.
“It is therefore essential that all stakeholders invest in managers’ skills development in technology as a tool for ensuring good Public Service management.”
Accra, 21 July 2019
