Former Director of the Ghana Health Service and a CPP stalwart, Prof Agyeman Badu Akosa, is saddened by the lack of drive for excellence in almost all sectors of the country. 

He made a worrying observation that nobody is aspiring for excellence “because excellence does not pay in this country.”

The renowned pathologist was speaking on PM Express on the Joy News Channel on Multi TV Wednesday.

Prof Akosa says there is no conscious effort, especially at government level to ensure for instance that appointments are based on merit.

“Any system [in which] appointments are done by patronage destroys the culture of excellence because appointments should be made through due process - adverts, competitiveness and [multiple interviews],” he said.

Prof Akosa was commenting on what has been described variously as the culture of neglect in the country, especially in government.

“Once upon a time the Ghana Civil Service was touted as perhaps one of the best in British West Africa because we had people who were consummate operators. But sadly today, if you go to the ministries, people who are appointed as Directors are suspect,” he said.

Following the printing of an error-ridden brochure by government’s communication machinery to mark the 59th Independence Day Anniversary, Ghana became a laughing stock on media platforms at home and abroad.

The situation has resulted in the sacking of the Acting Director of the Information Services Department (ISD), but not before it reignited calls for a more competent civil and public service personnel.

Ghana’s civil and public service system, Prof Akosa admonished, must be founded on “striving to achieve excellence. That should be the mantra for this country.”

Watch video of the news analysis show hosted by Nana Ansah Kwaw IV below.