British govt increases support for public sector reforms in Ghana

Accra, Nov. 9, GNA - The British Government on Wednesday underscored its determination to support Ghana's Public Sector reform process stressing that it was one of the best practices towards an efficient and coherent public service.

In this regard, the Department for International Development (DFID) has decided to participate in the Public Sector Reform Fund to be organized by the development partners to support reforms in Ghana. A statement issued by the Ministry of Public Sector Reform and signed by Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Public Sector Reform in Accra, said the DFID was already supporting the Service Delivery Improvement Initiative in the Civil Service and the stabilization of the payroll system of government.

"The UK government will increase its financial support to public sector reforms for 2006 and beyond," Dr Nduom said, adding that the recent study tour of the UK on public sector best practices was sponsored by the DFID.

The study tour led by Dr Nduom included the Head of Department for Management Services of the Office of Head of Civil Service and an official from the Ministry.

The statement said practices noted for Ghana's reform consideration process included the British model for performance agreements between Ministries and the Prime Minister is linked to national goals, annual budgets and determines incentives that could be given at the end of the year for exceptional performance.

The other was the Prime Minister's award on an annual basis to the best performing public service delivery agencies; especially those who exceed agreed service targets negotiated and evaluated using independent professionals.

The third practice was regular meetings held to help Ghana to forge consensus and focus on meeting national goals.

These included meeting of all Ministers and Chief Directors; quarterly meeting of Heads of Public Sector Institutions and semi-annual public service forum to be attended by unions, ministers and heads of public sector institutions.