Politicizing Ghana’s Civil Service: A Threat to Economic Growth and Democratic Stability

Ghana’s civil service, a crucial pillar of national development and democratic stability, is increasingly being drawn into a dangerous cycle of partisan politics. This growing trend, if left unchecked, threatens to erode the neutrality of the civil service, deepen political divisions, and ultimately hinder the country’s economic progress.

Successive governments have, over the years, engaged in what can only be described as a “political fixed match” when it comes to public sector employment. This practice, where outgoing administrations conduct last-minute mass recruitment exercises—knowing fully well that their successors may revoke these appointments—has created unnecessary instability, job insecurity, and financial burdens on the economy.

The civil service exists to ensure continuity in governance, irrespective of which political party is in power. Unlike political appointees, civil servants are expected to serve the nation impartially, maintaining the balance between partisan interests and national development. It is for this reason that Ghana’s Constitution explicitly bars civil servants from engaging in partisan politics. Their role is to facilitate government policies and programs while upholding the broader interests of the nation. However, recent trends suggest that this core principle is being compromised for political expediency.

A Disturbing Pattern of Partisan Appointments and Revocations

History has shown that incoming governments often seek to undo the decisions of their predecessors, especially concerning last-minute public sector recruitments. A clear example of this occurred in 2008 when then-President John Agyekum Kufuor implemented the Single Spine Salary Structure at the tail end of his administration. While the policy aimed to improve public sector wages, it also placed a significant financial burden on the newly elected President John Evans Atta Mills’ administration in 2009.

Similarly, in 2016, as President John Dramani Mahama was leaving office after losing the general elections, his administration engaged in mass public sector employment. This move was met with strong opposition from the incoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo. The then Senior Minister, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, publicly declared that the government would revoke these last-minute appointments, leading to thousands of newly recruited public sector workers— including security personnel—losing their jobs.

Now, history appears to be repeating itself. Mr. Julius Debrah, the Chief of Staff of the current government, has announced the cancellation of public sector appointments made by the outgoing administration of President Nana Akufo-Addo. This decision has triggered widespread public condemnation, panic, and uncertainty among affected workers, many of whom had secured employment with high hopes of providing for their families.

The Cost of Partisan Civil Service Manipulation

This cycle of politically motivated public sector hiring and dismissals is detrimental to national progress. It fosters job insecurity, discourages merit-based employment, and weakens the morale of the civil service. Instead of focusing on efficiency and service delivery, civil servants may begin to view their roles through a political lens, aligning themselves with ruling parties in order to safeguard their jobs. This undermines the professionalism and neutrality that the civil service is meant to uphold.

Moreover, these actions place an unnecessary financial strain on the economy. When outgoing governments rush to expand the public sector, often without proper budgetary considerations, the incoming government is left to either bear an unsustainable wage bill or take unpopular measures such as layoffs. This back-and-forth political tug-of-war does not only create economic instability but also affects productivity in the public sector.

A Call for National Awakening

It is time for Ghanaians to reject this destructive pattern of political manipulation within the civil service. Our leaders must prioritize national interest over partisan gains. Employment in the public sector should be based on competence, transparency, and genuine workforce needs, rather than political convenience.

Civil service reforms are necessary to ensure that appointments are insulated from political interference. Clear, enforceable policies should be put in place to prevent outgoing governments from making last-minute employment decisions that could burden their successors. Similarly, incoming governments should respect the integrity of the civil service and avoid mass dismissals based solely on political considerations.

The future of Ghana’s democracy and economic growth depends on a professional, independent, and efficient civil service. Let us not allow political actors to turn the civil service into a battlefield for partisan interests, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer the consequences. The time to act is now.

Article by Peter Tsinyo