Prof Godfred Bokpin, a renowned economist and Professor of Finance, has sounded the alarm on the growing trend of politicization in Ghana's civil service. In a public lecture organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service on Tuesday, August 11, Prof Bokpin warned that the practice of recruiting individuals into the civil service based on political considerations poses a significant threat to effective governance and national development.
Civil Service Plays Crucial Role in Nation-Building
Prof Bokpin acknowledged the critical role of the Civil Service in nation-building, stressing that it remains an essential institution for supporting continuity, professionalism, and effective public administration. He noted that the civil service plays an important role in assisting the government in formulating, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies for national development.
Politicization of Civil Service Undermines Effective Governance
However, Prof Bokpin warned that politicizing the service through the recruitment of individuals based on political considerations should not be tolerated. He described political recruitment into the Civil Service as a "poisonous" practice that could weaken the institution and compromise its ability to serve the national interest. "Your objectivity will be key," he said. "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."
Economic Consequences of an Inefficient Civil Service
Prof Bokpin also highlighted the economic consequences of an inefficient civil service. He noted that an inefficient civil service within the broader perspective of public service represents a cost to the private sector as they interact. "An inefficient civil service is a cost to the private sector," he said. "They will have to deal with inefficiencies, which will ultimately affect the economy."
Calls for a Balanced Civil Service
Prof Bokpin emphasized the need for a balanced civil service that can serve as a moderating element in an increasingly polarized nation. He noted that in an increasingly divided nation, the civil service should be the balancing act and moderating element. "In an increasingly polarised nation, divided along political lines, what becomes the balancing act and moderating element should be the civil service," he said.
The Way Forward
The lecture by Prof Bokpin comes at a time when there are growing concerns about the politicization of the civil service in Ghana. The government has been accused of recruiting individuals into the civil service based on political considerations, rather than merit. The development has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the civil service in serving the national interest. As the nation continues to grapple with developmental challenges, the need for a balanced and effective civil service has never been more urgent.
Source: Joy Online
