The Urgency of Transformation in Ghana’s Public Sector
Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of the Civil Service of Ghana, has issued a clarion call for immediate and transformative action within the nation’s public sector. Speaking at the 2025 Civil Service Week and 2024 Awards Ceremony Policy Dialogue, he emphasized the critical need to adapt to the rapid advancements in technology, particularly automation, artificial intelligence, and e-governance. His message resonated with the event’s theme, “Automation, Artificial Intelligence, and E-Governance: The Civil Service in Contemporary Ghana,” highlighting the importance of these technologies in shaping the future of governance. Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh stressed that proactive decision-making is crucial for harnessing the potential of these advancements and ensuring the civil service remains relevant and effective in the digital age. He urged stakeholders to move beyond simply reacting to technological change and to instead anticipate and lead the transformation. This proactive approach is essential for navigating the complexities and opportunities presented by the evolving digital landscape.
The Role of Technology in Shaping Public Policy and Governance
Central to Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh’s message was the significance of data-driven insights in shaping effective public policy. He argued that policy decisions should be informed by a deep understanding of the current situation and future trends, enabling the government to make informed choices about both action and inaction. This data-driven approach is particularly relevant in the context of emerging technologies like AI, which have the potential to revolutionize public service delivery. He underscored the importance of not just reacting to technological advancements but actively anticipating and shaping them to meet the evolving needs of the citizenry. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for ensuring that Ghana’s public sector remains agile, responsive, and prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
The Transformative Potential of AI and Automation
Professor Jerry John Kponyo, Dean of the Quality Assurance and Planning Office at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, provided further insights into the transformative potential of AI and automation. He highlighted projections indicating that AI could contribute over $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030, representing a 16% increase. Within the public sector, studies suggest that up to 30% of current tasks could be automated, ranging from data entry to document verification. This potential for automation presents both opportunities and challenges for the civil service. While it promises increased efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness, it also necessitates careful management of workforce transitions to ensure a smooth and equitable shift towards a more automated environment.
The Need for Proactive Adaptation and Citizen-Centric Service Delivery
Professor Kponyo emphasized the importance of proactive adaptation to the changing landscape of work driven by AI and automation. He stressed that Ghana’s civil service must not only embrace these new technologies but also utilize them to enhance service delivery while remaining focused on the needs of citizens. This citizen-centric approach is crucial for ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible benefits for the public. He posed a crucial question: What does the emergence of AI mean for the world of work? This question underscores the need for thoughtful consideration of the implications of AI and automation, not just in terms of efficiency and productivity, but also in terms of their impact on the workforce and the nature of work itself.
Navigating the Transition and Embracing the Future of Work
The discussions at the Civil Service Week event highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to navigating the transition towards a more technologically advanced public sector. This includes not only investing in the necessary infrastructure and training but also addressing potential challenges related to workforce displacement and the ethical implications of AI. Furthermore, it requires a fundamental shift in mindset, moving away from simply reacting to technological change towards proactively anticipating and shaping its impact on governance and public service.
Building a Resilient and Future-Ready Civil Service
The overarching message from the event was clear: Ghana’s civil service must embrace transformation to remain relevant and effective in the face of rapidly evolving technology. This transformation requires a commitment to continuous learning, adaptation, and a citizen-centric approach to service delivery. By proactively engaging with the opportunities and challenges presented by automation, AI, and e-governance, the civil service can build a more resilient, efficient, and future-ready public sector that effectively serves the needs of the Ghanaian people. This involves not only adopting new technologies but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the civil service, empowering its workforce to embrace and utilize these tools effectively. The goal is to create a public sector that is not just technologically advanced, but also responsive, transparent, and truly citizen-centered.
