Ghana’s burgeoning pool of talented and experienced individuals seeking government positions presents a significant challenge for any President. The sheer volume of qualified applicants vying for limited appointments places immense pressure on the executive branch, potentially hindering efficient governance. However, a largely untapped solution lies within the existing legal framework: the Ministerial Advisory Board (MAB).
Article 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDC Law 327), mandates the establishment of MABs within each ministry. This provision, often overlooked, offers a powerful mechanism to leverage the expertise of qualified Ghanaians while simultaneously alleviating the pressure on the Presidency to accommodate every deserving candidate. Instead of solely relying on appointed officials, Ministers can utilise MABs to tap into a broader base of knowledge and experience.
The MAB’s role is primarily advisory. Its members, selected for their specific expertise and understanding of the relevant sector, provide informed counsel to the Ministers and their ministries.
This allows the Minister to make more informed decisions, benefiting from a diverse range of perspectives and mitigating the risk of relying solely on internal opinions. The MAB can contribute to policy formulation, strategy development, and the evaluation of existing programmes, ultimately leading to more effective and efficient governance.
The benefits of fully utilising the MAB system are multifold. Firstly, it significantly reduces the pressure on the President to accommodate every qualified applicant seeking a direct appointment.
By creating a platform for engagement outside of formal government positions, the system allows highly qualified individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge without requiring a ministerial or other high-level appointment. This opens up avenues for participation to a wider range of experts, fostering a more inclusive and representative governance structure.
Secondly, the MAB system enhances the quality of policymaking. The diverse perspectives and specialised knowledge brought to the table by MAB members can lead to more robust and well-informed policies.
This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of government programmes and initiatives, resulting in improved outcomes for the citizenry. A diverse MAB also fosters greater accountability, as decisions are informed by a broader range of views and scrutinised by external experts.
Thirdly, the utilisation of MABs enhances the efficiency of ministries. By providing ministers with access to expert advice, MABs allow ministries to operate more effectively. The MAB can assist with the identification of challenges, the development of solutions, and the monitoring of progress, freeing up ministerial time and resources for other crucial tasks.
Finally, the MAB system can act as a valuable training ground for future leaders. Serving on a MAB provides valuable experience in government operations and policymaking, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to take on future leadership roles. This contributes to the development of a strong pipeline of talent for the public sector.
While the legal framework exists, the full potential of MABs remains largely untapped. A concerted effort to revive and strengthen this mechanism is crucial. This requires clear guidelines on the selection process, the terms of reference, and the reporting structure of MABs. Furthermore, a culture of valuing and actively utilising the advice provided by MABs must be fostered within the government.
By fully embracing the potential of Ministerial Advisory Boards, the Mahama-led government can effectively address the challenge of managing the large pool of qualified applicants while simultaneously improving the quality and efficiency of governance. This represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the country’s administrative capacity and foster a more inclusive and effective government.
