Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has strongly criticised the growing politicisation of state institutions, particularly the public service.
His strongly worded statement highlighted a troubling trend where regulatory agencies and public servants are entangled in partisan politics, undermining their credibility and effectiveness.
“I have always admonished politicians to stay out of politicising state institutions, especially regulators and referees. I do because political colouration always compromises regulation. Unfortunately, this has been roundly ignored over the years. Sadly, the chickens have come home to roost.”
Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
Dr Kwame Asiedu pointed fingers at the appointment processes that prioritize political affiliations over merit. He cited instances where individuals were handpicked through directives from the presidency instead of undergoing the transparent and competitive procedures required by the Public Service Commission.
“You were appointed with a green letter from the seat of government, without applying through the Public Service Commission. Yours wasn’t by merit but by partisan affiliation,” he asserted. Such practices, Dr Kwame Asiedu argued, erode the principles of professionalism and neutrality expected of public servants.
He stressed that appointees chosen based on political patronage often struggle to maintain impartiality and independence, especially when faced with conflicting political interests.
Breach of Civil Service Rules
The statement further criticized public servants who ventured into active partisan politics without adhering to statutory regulations.
Dr Kwame Asiedu referenced cases where public officials of the ruling government contested political primaries without resigning from their positions, a clear breach of civil service rules.
“The rule is that a Civil or Public servant who decides to venture into politics must resign but you didn’t. You lost the primaries and stayed on in your role. In fact, you should have been sacked but the person who signed green letters had no balls or testicular fortitude to do so”.
Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
He pointed out the hypocrisy of these individuals, who now invoke legal protections to shield themselves from dismissal by the incoming government, despite disregarding the very rules they are now citing.
In a stinging rebuke of leadership, Dr Kwame Asiedu Sarpong accused those in authority of lacking the courage to enforce the rules and sanction erring public servants.
The Democracy and Development Fellow emphasized that such inaction sends the wrong signal, emboldening others to flout regulations with impunity.
The renowned pharmacist’s statement culminated in a blunt message to politically aligned public servants who now find themselves lobbying to retain their positions as a new administration looms.
“You came to office by the wrong route and ceased to be public servants when you opted to be politicians. Your best bet is to leave honourable and stop the lobbying, you will preserve your dignity that way” .
Dr Kwame Sarpong Asiedu, a Democracy and Development Fellow in Public Health at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana)
He suggested that any incoming government would be justified in dismissing such individuals to restore the integrity of public institutions.
The statement is a clarion call to both policymakers and citizens to demand accountability, transparency, and a depoliticised public service that prioritizes national interests over partisan gains.
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