Poor service delivery in public sector real – Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has charged public servants across the country to uplift the fallen standards of the civil service.

According to him, complaints of poor service delivery in the public service are real and must not be shoved under the carpet.

Addressing members of the association as part of its activities to mark this year's Public Service Day on the theme: "Entrenching A Citizen-Centred Service Delivery Culture: Partnering with the Youth for Africa’s Transformation", he emphasised the need for leadership of the association to eschew corrupt practices and inspire members to embrace quality work ethics.

“Complaints about poor service delivery from your sector and other public sector-related agencies are real and cannot be shoved under the carpet. Celebrations such as today’s should metamorphose into durbars and workshops aimed at reinvigorating and inspiring members to embrace quality work ethics that can serve as a standard worthy of emulation by other sectors,” he stated.

“It is quite disturbing that we cannot compare the efficiencies and productivity within the private corporate sector to that of the public service in our country.”

In his view, although there are several underlying challenges with respect to funding and steady investment in the public sector, that should not undermine the commitment to quality delivery.

Mr Rawlings said he was convinced the public sector would not thrive if probity, accountability, and transparency are relegated to the background.

He said: “Corruption is not just the misappropriation of state funds but our failure to commit to the stipulated 8-5pm daily working period and refusing to commit ourselves to official duties is a corrupting influence that sets the tone for significant institutional losses,” adding: “Your theme of nurturing a culture of professional and ethical values in the service should confront these very core values that many have relegated to the background so that we can restore the standards that your forebears bequeathed to you.”

He noted that although there are many public servants who are committed patriots and pursue a culture of professional and ethical values, there are others who appal these standards and drag the entire public sector in the mud.

He said it is the responsibility of all Ghanaians to confront the negative traits and offer true meaning to public service.