Ghana's Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has urged the Civil Service to place citizens at the core of all decision-making processes. She emphasized that the effectiveness of government policies depends on the Civil Service's ability to deliver tangible results for the public.
This call came during the 2025 Civil Service Awards, held to mark the 2026 Civil Service Week Celebration in Accra. The Vice President stressed the importance of renewed commitment to professionalism, strengthened collaboration across government ministries, departments, and agencies. She highlighted innovation as a key driver for improving public service delivery across the nation.
This directive aligns with Ghana's broader economic and governance agenda, which seeks to enhance public sector efficiency. The government is actively pursuing reforms to make public institutions more responsive and effective. These initiatives include the National Public Sector Reform Strategy 2 and efforts to strengthen public sector remuneration and financial management. Such reforms are crucial for improving the overall business environment and attracting investment.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang stated, “Please let us renew our commitment to professionalism, strengthen collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies, and place citizens at the centre of decision-making.” She further clarified that these reforms are not ends in themselves. Their ultimate success is measured by whether institutions function better, public servants are better equipped, and citizens receive superior services. This perspective underscores a shift towards outcome-based performance evaluation within the public sector.
The implications of this emphasis are significant for Ghana's economic development and public trust. A more efficient and citizen-focused Civil Service can streamline administrative processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and improve the delivery of essential services. This can directly impact economic productivity and investor confidence. Businesses and individuals rely on predictable and effective public services for their operations and daily lives. Decision-makers will be watching for concrete steps and measurable improvements in service delivery.
The awards ceremony recognized outstanding civil servants and institutions for their performance. Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, received the Overall Best Performing Chief Director award. Such recognition aims to foster a performance-driven culture within the Civil Service. It encourages officers to move from routine approaches to resourcefulness and from working in silos to collaboration. This shift is vital for achieving national development goals.
Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of the Civil Service, noted that the awards are legally mandated under Section 88(1) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (Act 327). This legal backing reinforces the government's commitment to recognizing meritorious performance. Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh emphasized that the success of the Civil Service will be measured by the quality of services and the impact delivered to the people. This focus on impact over mere activity is a critical shift for public administration. The annual awards are part of ongoing efforts to promote excellence, innovation, and accountability within the public service. These efforts are essential for building a modern and effective state apparatus capable of supporting Ghana's economic aspirations.