Operationalization of Ghana’s civil service code of conduct

Abstract

This paper examines the internal and external challenges to the implementation of the code of conduct in the Ghana’s civil service using the Controller and Accountant Generals’ Department (CAGD) as a case study. The main internal challenges to the implementation of the civil service code of conduct at CAGD were found to be: the categories of staff affected by the code of conduct; ‘immunity’ from sanctions, nepotism; and limited checks on enforcement mechanisms. The key external challenges to the implementation of the civil service code of conduct at the CAGD are discussed in the paper and the authors make five important policy suggestions to enhance effectiveness of the implementation process. The suggestions will have value in countries with developing administrative systems.

Enforcing of codes of conduct in many public sector organizations in Ghana and other developing countries can be difficult. Cronyism, nepotism and other non-merit considerations in appointments and promotions can result in employees openly flouting codes of conduct. Governments must empower their civil services to come up with well-enforced mechanisms to ensure full compliance with that country’s public sector code of conduct. This paper explains how policy-makers in developing countries can move forward to prevent code violations and to resist political interference in civil service operations.