Editorial: Civil Servants Must Refrain From Partisan Political Activities

The Head of the Civil Service of Ghana, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, has called on civil servants across the country to refrain from engaging in political activities in the lead-up to the 2024 General Election, according to a report by Citinewsroom.com. He urged them to concentrate on fulfilling their roles in driving general economic growth by implementing policies and programmes that foster stability, peace and security.

Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh made these remarks during the press launch of the 2024 Civil Service Week and 2023 Awards Ceremony, themed – “Combating threats to sub-regional peace and security: perspectives of the civil service.” He indicated that “the work of the civil servant is behind the scenes, we are to support our political leaders. What is important to us is that at the end of the day, the national interest is served. Once the national interest is served, we are done.”

He further emphasised that, “Civil Servants need to be committed to what the principle, code of conduct, core values and issues of professionalism among others are. Our overarching objective is to assist the government in the formulation and Implementation of public policy and programme.”

Ahead of the upcoming 2024 General Election, it is important for all Civil Servants across the country to heed  the call for professionalism and non-partisanship. Almost every election year, Politicians use civil servants to promote their political agenda. Most the civil servants are even affiliated to one party or the other where they leave their professional duties to follow these politicians.

Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh’s call to concentrate on fulfilling their roles in driving general economic growth through policies and programmes that foster stability, peace and security resonates deeply with the core values of public service.

Civil servants are the backbone of administrative governance. Their work is often behind the scenes, supporting political leaders in implementing policies that serve the national interest. This distinction between the civil service’s role and political activities is fundamental to maintaining fair, impartial and effective government machinery.

The theme of the 2024 Civil Service Week and Awards ceremony underscores the critical role civil servants play in safeguarding the nation’s stability. In a time where global challenges such as security threats and economic uncertainties loom large, the dedication of civil servants to their mandate becomes even more paramount.

The principle of non-partisanship is not merely a guideline, but a cornerstone of professionalism within the civil service. It ensures that decisions and actions are driven by expertise, integrity and the best interests of the nation, rather than political affiliations or agendas.

It is commendable that Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh has reminded civil servants of their commitment to the code of conduct, core values and professionalism. This re-dedication to the mandate of the service is not just a responsibility, but a privilege, thus the privilege to contribute meaningfully to the development and progress of our country.

As we navigate the complexities of an election year, let us uphold the ideals of professionalism, non-partisanship and dedication to the national interest. Let us remember that the strength of our civil service lies in its ability to serve all citizens impartially, irrespective of political differences.

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