Economist and Professor of Finance Godfred Bokpin has cautioned against political recruitment into Ghana’s civil service, describing the practice as a dangerous development that could undermine effective governance and national development.

Prof Bokpin acknowledged the critical role of the Civil Service in nation-building, stressing that it remained an essential institution for supporting continuity, professionalism and effective public administration.

"The civil service plays an important role in assisting the government in formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies for national development," he said.

"In an increasingly polarised nation, divided along political lines, what becomes the balancing act and moderating element should be the civil service," he added.

However, he warned that politicising the service through the recruitment of individuals based on political considerations should not be tolerated. He described political recruitment into the Civil Service as a “poisonous” practice that could weaken the institution and compromise its ability to serve the national interest.

"Your (Civil Servants) objectivity will be key. For that reason, we should not allow politics to influence recruitment into the public service and the civil service. It is one poison you don't need to be advised to take," he warned.

"An inefficient civil service within the broader perspective of public service represents a cost to the private sector as they interact," he added.

Prof Bokpin made the remarks at a public lecture organised by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service on Tuesday, August 11, on the theme: “The Resetting Agenda for Sustainable Development in Ghana: The Civil Service’s Responsibilities.”