Economist and Professor of Finance Godfred Bokpin has warned against political recruitment into Ghana’s Civil Service, describing the practice as dangerous and a threat to effective governance and national development.
Prof. Bokpin said the Civil Service plays a critical role in nation-building by ensuring continuity, professionalism and effective public administration.
“The civil service plays an important role in assisting the government in formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies for national development,” he said.
He said the Civil Service must also serve as a neutral institution capable of maintaining balance in a politically divided country.
“In an increasingly polarised nation, divided along political lines, what becomes the balancing act and moderating element should be the civil service,” he added.
However, Prof. Bokpin cautioned against recruiting people into the Civil Service based on political considerations. He described the practice as “poisonous”, warning that it could weaken the institution and undermine its ability to serve the national interest.
“Your (Civil Servants) objectivity will be key. For that reason, we should not allow politics to influence recruitment into the public service and the civil service. It is one poison you don’t need to be advised to take,” he warned.
He further cautioned that an inefficient Civil Service could have wider economic consequences, particularly for businesses that depend on public institutions.
“An inefficient civil service within the broader perspective of public service represents a cost to the private sector as they interact,” he added.
Prof. Bokpin made the remarks at a public lecture organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service on Tuesday, August 11.
The lecture was held on the theme: “The Resetting Agenda for Sustainable Development in Ghana: The Civil Service’s Responsibilities.”
