The former Dean of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Prof. Kwame Ameyaw Domfeh, has urged public servants the need to put the public at the core of decision-making, warning against succumbing to political pressure.
He spoke at the Public Administration Students Association (PASAL) week celebration seminar on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, which took place at the R.S Amegashie auditorium. The event aimed to address challenges in public administration, entrepreneurship, graduation requirements, and life after graduation.
He cautioned against losing sight of the fundamental mission of public administration, which is to effectively serve the needs and well-being of the general public rather than be influenced by political agendas.
“Public administrators sometimes forget about the publicness of public administration. The public is the public, and we serve the public, and the public should be the core of anything that we do. We should know that government is just an aspect of the public. Under every decision, we make as public servants, the temptation is for us to yield to the intimidation of the politicians and forget about the public. We have a real challenge in public administration. But I think we can address those challenges if we realize and appreciate what public administration is supposed to do.”
Also speaking at the seminar, Public Administration Lecturer at the UGBS, Dr. Daniel Appiah underscored public administration’s role in driving private sector growth and economic development.
“Public administration is that field that facilitates the private sector or business. There is no private sector organization or business that was established without being given the license to operate by the public sector. There is no private-sector business that can thrive in this country without support from the public sector. It is very important for you to understand how the public sector facilitates economic growth, business development, and then human development.”
Dr. Appiah challenged students to think beyond their degree and harness the distinctive skills they have acquired to stand out in a competitive job market, where public administration expertise can be a game-changer in both the private and public sectors.
“As to whether you, prepare yourself for a job in the private sector of business or prepare yourself for a job in the public sector of business, it is very important for you to understand how the public sector facilitates economic growth, business development, and then human development. Have you considered that a lot of students also have similar degree programs. The question is what is it that makes you outstanding? What makes you outstanding? In all sectors and organizations, wherever, we have given you what it takes to excel.”
–
Story by: Michelle Naadu Lartey | univers.ug.edu.gh
