We’re transforming Civil Service to enhance performance — Dr Aggrey-Darkoh
The Head of Civil Service, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, has said the service was committed to digital transformation and rebranding to enhance efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic on the sidelines of this year’s Civil Service Week celebration in Accra, he said the service had introduced several digital reforms, leveraging technology to improve delivery, reduce the human interface, and promote good governance.
“We are looking at rebranding the service to be much more customer-oriented and sensitive. We have a digital transformation which has increased compliance. We are hitting almost 90 per cent now in terms of the performance appraisal system - the highest ever recorded in the service’s history.
“This has significantly reduced the number of human interfaces, which often led to delays, rent-seeking activities and corruption, among others,” Dr Aggrey-Darkoh said.
He added that the introduction of electronic systems such as e-recruitments, e-promotion and e-performance appraisal, including linking the Ghana Card to the payroll system, had curtailed the issue of “ghost names” and other misdeeds.
Productivity
Dr Aggrey-Darkoh also underscored the need for increased productivity and reduced corruption in the public sector to free up resources for productive ventures.
He said that the current allocation of resources, with a large portion going to compensation, was not sustainable as it limited the government's ability to invest in other critical areas.
“By increasing productivity, reducing waste and corruption, and managing debt effectively, the government can free up resources to invest in critical sectors, such as infrastructure, health care and education, to improve living standards,” Dr Aggrey-Darkoh added.
Reforms
He further highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in the service to enhance effectiveness and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of the country.
Dr Aggrey-Darkoh also stressed regular capacity-building and training of civil servants to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver quality services.
“The needed reforms will help improve the overall performance of the Civil Service to deliver quality services to citizens and also support national development.
“By modernising the Civil Service and enhancing capacity, the country can improve its competitiveness and attractiveness to investors to ultimately drive economic growth,” he added.
