GHANA
Ghana’s National Public Sector Reform Strategy (NPSRS) for 2018–23 has been announced, aimed at “leading to the creation of a new Public Service that is fit for purpose and which will help guarantee the delivery of high-quality services”.
President, Nana Akufo-Addo (pictured) launched the Strategy, saying that when Ghana attained independence in 1957, “an efficient Public Service, the envy of many in the region, was bequeathed to the nation”.
However, in recent years there has been increasing dissatisfaction with its service delivery.
“Whether it is about absenteeism or lateness, incompetence or corruption, the public sector is, today, unhappily, not seen in a good light,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He said the NSPRS would review and modernise the current structures, systems, processes and internal management functions of the public sector, supporting the Government’s development priorities.
“It will also help create the conditions necessary for the private sector to thrive and thereby create employment opportunities for the youth, all within the context of our overall vision of Ghana Beyond Aid,” President Akufo-Addo said.
A major goal of the reforms is to strengthen the human resource capacity of the public sector to improve its delivery.
“To this end, public sector training institutions will be resourced to help develop the requisite skills and knowledge needed for the delivery of modern services,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“The process will also enhance the ethical foundation of the public sector and, in addition, introduce change management initiatives to deal with apathy, resistance and reform fatigue, which have been the bane of previous attempts at reform.”
He also promised “a systematic review of public sector compensation in its entirety”, with the institution of a suitable performance-based reward system to help guarantee increased productivity.
“The review will pursue opportunities for upgrading office space and provide the necessary tools and equipment to improve the work environment within the service,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“Additionally, a central assets and inventory check system to take stock of all physical assets in the Public Service will be established.”
The President said a culture of maintenance of public assets and property must be revived and adhered to.
Accra, 9 August 2018
