Gyampo condemns changes in public office holders upon assumption of new governments

The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority and governance expert, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has warned the constant changes in public officeholders with each new government undermines development and weakens national institutions.

Speaking on the KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey on April 19, Prof Gyampo said from his background with extensive research in governance and leadership the situation is worrying.

“If we are really interested in nation-building and the development of Ghana, then we should all be worried about this incidence of wanting to change appointees when a new regime takes over,” he bemoaned.

Prof Gyampo made these comments when he contributed to discussions on whether petitions for the removal of the current Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo are justified.

According to him, this trend, deeply entrenched since the return to constitutional rule in 1992, prevents long-term policy continuity and institutional memory.

“A nation that wants to develop cannot develop if it is always changing. People are appointed, new government comes in, they change,” he lamented.

Prof. Gyampo emphasized that countries that thrive typically have civil and public servants who remain in office long enough to build the needed experience and competences.

“Whether there’s government or not, they are able to run the country well,” he said.

“We should aim at building institutions such that regardless of who is in power, there are people there who will serve the nation effectively,” he suggested.

He further argued that political interference in appointments weakens meritocracy and fosters a culture of sycophancy. “I am not enthused about the practice of always wanting to change appointees when new regimes come in. It does not help us build strong institutions,” he stressed.

Citing global examples of governance systems where officials are retained across regimes, Prof. Gyampo said stability breeds growth, competence, and good governance.

In his view, Ghana must resist the temptation to politicize every high-ranking position, especially when those roles require technical know-how and long-term planning.

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