The relationship between political appointees and career civil servants is a crucial determinant of effective governance, a dynamic recently highlighted by governance expert Professor Enoch Antwi. He argues that a collaborative approach is essential, emphasizing the invaluable institutional knowledge and experience possessed by career technocrats. Ministers, often entering their roles with limited experience in the specific intricacies of their assigned ministries, stand to benefit significantly from engaging with and relying on the expertise of the civil service. Disregarding this established expertise, driven by a sense of self-sufficiency or a prioritization of personal political agendas, can lead to detrimental consequences for both the individual minister and the overall effectiveness of government policy. Professor Antwi pointedly referenced the tenure of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a case study in how neglecting the advice and guidance of experienced civil servants can lead to policy failures and erode public trust.
Professor Antwi’s analysis underscores a critical distinction between the transient nature of political appointments and the enduring presence of the civil service. Ministers are subject to the ebb and flow of electoral cycles, their tenure often brief and contingent upon the political fortunes of their party. In contrast, civil servants remain in their positions, accumulating a deep understanding of the workings of their respective ministries, the complexities of policy implementation, and the potential pitfalls of politically driven decisions. This long-term perspective and accumulated knowledge base provide a crucial anchor for government operations, ensuring continuity and informed decision-making even amidst political transitions. The failure of political appointees to recognize and leverage this resource represents a significant missed opportunity for effective governance and can even lead to active resistance within the ministry, further hampering progress and creating an environment of dysfunction.
Furthermore, Professor Antwi observed that ministerial effectiveness is often hampered by an inflated sense of self-importance, where appointees overestimate their own knowledge and disregard the experience of career professionals. This attitude creates a disconnect between the political leadership and the institutional machinery necessary to implement policy, leading to isolation and ultimately, failure. A collaborative approach, characterized by mutual respect and a willingness to learn from those with long-standing experience, is crucial for successful governance. Ministers who embrace this approach are far more likely to navigate the complexities of their portfolios effectively, implement sound policy, and achieve positive outcomes. The alternative – an isolationist approach driven by ego and a disregard for institutional knowledge – often leads to missteps, policy failures, and ultimately, damage to the public good.
Professor Antwi’s comments come at a crucial juncture in Ghana’s political landscape, amidst ongoing discussions surrounding ministerial effectiveness and recent reshuffles within President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. The President faces the challenge of rebuilding public confidence and navigating complex economic challenges, making the effectiveness of his ministerial appointments all the more critical. The interplay between political appointees and the civil service will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining the success of these efforts. A collaborative approach, where ministers actively engage with and utilize the expertise of career civil servants, will be essential for navigating these challenges and achieving positive outcomes for the Ghanaian people.
The professor also highlighted a perceived difference in the appointment processes of the two major political parties in Ghana, the NDC and the NPP. He suggested that the NDC tends to favor individuals who have risen through the ranks within specific fields, demonstrating a track record of competence and experience. In contrast, he argued that the NPP often prioritizes political loyalty over demonstrable competence, potentially leading to conflicts and undermining the effectiveness of ministerial appointments. This observation raises important questions about the criteria used for selecting individuals to hold key government positions and the potential implications for good governance. While political loyalty may be a factor to consider, prioritizing it over competence and experience risks placing individuals in positions for which they are ill-equipped, ultimately jeopardizing the effective functioning of government.
Ultimately, Professor Antwi’s analysis emphasizes the critical importance of human capital in the success of any institution, including government ministries. The people appointed to leadership positions significantly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of these institutions. Selecting individuals based on merit, experience, and a demonstrated capacity for collaboration is crucial for ensuring good governance and achieving positive outcomes. Prioritizing political loyalty over competence can lead to a decline in the quality of governance, undermining public trust and hindering progress towards national development goals. The effectiveness of government hinges on the quality of its leadership and the ability of political appointees to leverage the institutional knowledge and experience of the civil service. A collaborative approach, characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the public good, is essential for achieving effective governance and delivering tangible benefits to the citizenry.
