President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government will work closely with Organised Labour to roll out key reforms aimed at strengthening the public sector and improving service delivery across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the 14th Delegates’ Conference of Public Services International (PSI) in Accra on November 12, the President said the reforms are central to Ghana’s economic recovery plan and will help set the nation on a sound footing for sustainable socio-economic growth.
“Under Ghana’s reset agenda, our vision for national renewal focuses on restoring trust in public institutions and ensuring a citizen-centred approach,” President Mahama said. “We are strengthening the civil and local government service to ensure performance accountability across ministries and departments.”
The PSI conference, which brings together representatives of over 30 million workers worldwide, opened with a call on governments across the globe to invest in strong, efficient, and well-resourced public service institutions.
In Ghana, PSI affiliates include the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG), the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, and the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), among others.
Focus on Reform and Productivity
President Mahama outlined a series of measures under the government’s reset agenda, including a new performance management system, the full operationalization of the Human Resource Management framework, and an emphasis on ethics, professional advancement, and continuous training.
“Our reforms include a new performance management system, the full operationalization of the human resource management framework, and a renewed focus on ethics, training, and advancement,” he explained. “The effectiveness of the public service must reflect the value that we place on it. We will continue to work together with the unions to achieve this.”
He also stressed that as Ghana moves towards implementing the 24-Hour Economy policy, the public service must remain a driving force behind it.
“A 24-hour economy relies on a responsive public service,” the President noted. “This calls for a new social agreement between government and labour to ensure productivity and efficiency.”
CLOGSAG Calls for Competent Appointments
The Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, commended the government’s commitment to reform but urged the President to ensure that only competent and qualified persons are appointed into public service positions.
“During the Gold Coast era, politicians seeking to serve in government were required to write examinations,” Mr. Bampoe Addo recalled. “We are urging government to consider reintroducing such a process to ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed into key positions.”
Global Labour Solidarity
The President of Public Services International, Britta Lejon, also expressed concern about the growing challenges faced by public sector workers in many countries.
“In several countries, anti-union legislation, delayed salaries, and non-payment of wages continue to undermine progress,” she said. “We call on governments to protect the rights and welfare of public service workers who are the backbone of national development.”
Conference Agenda
The four-day PSI Delegates’ Conference will focus on strategies to improve efficiency in public service delivery, strengthen international cooperation among member unions, and promote decent work conditions for public sector employees globally.
