Culture and Enforcement of Code of Ethics in the Ghanaian Civil Service: Experiences from the Head Office of the Ministry of Health (MOH)

Abstract

This study investigated how culture influences the enforcement of code of ethics at the Ministry of Health (MOH).Using the qualitative approach, the case study design option was employed to examine the phenomena in depth. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews with various officials at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Accra. Through a review of existing documents, reports and other scholarly publications, the primary data was effectively triangulated. Analysis of data was done through the thematic process. The study found that several cultural factors influence the enforcement of code of ethics at the MOH. These include but not limited to, respect for age, gender, religion, obligations to family and other social activities like funerals, festivals, outdooring and the disregard for time.These findings mirror how the cultural orientation of the citizenry influence the manner in which code of ethics are enforced. Thus, the enforcement of code of ethics in dealing with unethical conduct by officials at the MOH is also subject to the cultural factors that exist in the Ghanaian context. The mind-set of the typical Ghanaian is shaped by his cultural outlook. This sometimes possess a challenge with the enforcement of code of ethics. In managing these cultural influences with the enforcement of code of ethics at the ministry, officials adopted various strategies to minimize the unethical practice. These include ethical education for employees, reviewing code of ethics to integrate cultural concerns and stiffer and consistent punishment for offenders to ward off future offenders.