Politicians Forming an Alternative Civil Service – Prof Gyampo
Professor Ransford Gyampo, a Political Science professor at the University of Ghana, expressed his alarm over the pervasive partisan politics in the civil service.
He noted that some civil servants openly attend political rallies and display party paraphernalia without consequences. He criticized the lack of adherence to the principle of neutrality, asserting that successive regimes have prioritized party loyalty in staffing decisions, undermining the concept of a politically neutral civil service.
Speaking at the 7th Nathan Annan Quao Excellence Lecture and Awards organized by CLOGSAG, he highlighted that many civil servants either disregard or are unaware of political neutrality, actively engaging in partisan activities that compromise public trust in the bureaucracy.
Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, emphasized the importance of neutrality, particularly in addressing issues like illegal mining, suggesting that decentralized governance structures must take the lead in enforcing regulations and fostering community engagement to protect the environment.
He urged a reevaluation of the governance under the Fourth Republic to assess its effectiveness in national development.