Professor Godfred Alufar Bokpin, a leading economist, has called for a fundamental reset of Ghana’s Civil Service. This reset aims to significantly improve public-sector efficiency and overall economic management in the country.
He stated that political neutrality, merit-based recruitment, and consistent policy implementation are vital. These elements are necessary to restore the Civil Service’s effectiveness in driving Ghana’s national development agenda. The economist made these remarks during a public lecture in Accra marking Civil Service Week.
This call for a reset comes as Ghana faces persistent economic challenges, including repeated engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Professor Bokpin highlighted that the quality of Ghana’s public service historically correlated with periods of economic progress. He noted that the Civil Service before independence was comparable to the best globally.
Professor Bokpin, speaking on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, at the event themed “The Resetting Agenda for Sustainable Development: The Civil Service’s Responsibilities,” stressed the need for a return to professionalism and competence. He also emphasized public service values that characterized the early years of Ghana's independence. He warned against political considerations influencing recruitment and promotion within the public service. Such practices, he argued, could lead to less qualified individuals advising the government on critical national issues.
The economist pointed out that Ghana’s repeated IMF programmes indicate deeper weaknesses. These weaknesses lie in policy design and public financial management. He asserted that fiscal consolidation alone is no longer sufficient to restore economic stability. The country’s recent debt restructuring further underscores the severity of its fiscal challenges.
Professor Bokpin believes that these recurring economic crises should prompt a fundamental review of economic management. He argued against merely pursuing another short-term fiscal adjustment. Instead, he advocated for policy consistency, predictability, and continuity. These factors are essential to break Ghana's cycle of economic instability.
He also emphasized that economic policy should focus beyond mere growth. It must also prioritize creating decent and sustainable employment opportunities. This is particularly important as hundreds of thousands of young people are expected to enter the labour market annually. He urged the incorporation of employment targets into national budgets. Regular data generation is also needed to assess if economic growth translates into jobs and improved livelihoods.
Professor Bokpin encouraged Ghana to learn from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. These nations transformed their economies through deliberate policymaking, productivity, efficiency, and long-term policy consistency. He noted that Ghana once compared favourably with some of these countries. However, it has since fallen behind due to weaknesses in economic management and public-sector performance.