President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the central role of Ghana’s public service in driving the country’s transition to a 24-hour economy, describing it as “the driving force behind this transformation.”
Speaking at the opening of the 14th Regional Conference of Public Service International (PSI) in Accra, President Mahama said the success of the 24-hour economy depends on efficient and responsive public institutions that deliver services without interruption.
“A 24-hour economy relies on efficient and responsive public institutions, hospitals that operate around the clock, ports and customs offices that clear goods smoothly and seamlessly, and local assemblies that provide services without obstruction and delay,” he stated.
He called for a new social agreement between government, labour, and citizens, noting that it must be built on fairness, productivity, and mutual respect.
“It must be a partnership that is founded on fairness, productivity, and mutual respect. Our strategy, therefore, is to work collaboratively with organised labour to develop reforms rather than impose them. Because genuine reform only succeeds when it is done with workers and not over them,” he added.
President Mahama commended Ghana’s public servants for their dedication and resilience, saying their work upholds the very fabric of society. He noted that when public services are strong, societies flourish, but when they fail, “inequality deepens, trust erodes, and the foundations of our democracy are weakened.”
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Outlining reforms under Ghana’s Reset Agenda, he said government is restoring trust in public institutions and strengthening the civil and local government service through digital governance and accountability.
“We are strengthening the civil and local government service, expanding digital governance, and enforcing performance accountability across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.
He also cautioned against the increasing commercialisation of essential services, stressing that public service must remain people-centred.
“We must resist the trend of treating public services as commodities. When health care becomes a privilege, when education becomes a luxury, and when clean water is unavailable, we strip our people of their dignity,” he warned.
He further described public service as “a human right,” “a cornerstone of inclusive growth,” and “the most enduring symbol of social justice.”
The President also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion, citing the recently passed Affirmative Action Act as a milestone toward fair representation of women in leadership.
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“It enjoins us to achieve 30 percent appointments to public offices of women by the end of 2025, and 35 percent by the end of 2026. But then the ultimate goal is 2030. It must be 50 percent. In Ghana, we call it ‘Chempé’, divided into half and half,” he said.
Declaring the PSI conference open, President Mahama reminded participants that the essence of public service lies in people.
“This gathering is not only about policies or resolutions. It’s about people; the teacher who inspires a child in a rural classroom, the nurse who saves a life at midnight, the local government officer responsible for ensuring that clean water flows in the village,” he said.
He urged delegates to recommit to building “a professional, motivated, and dignified public service that serves everyone.”
“May God bless all public service workers. May God bless Public Service International. May God bless CLOSAG. And may God bless our homeland, Ghana.” He concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
