A Professor at the University of Ghana, Ransford Gyampo has underscored the importance of civil servants remaining politically neutral.
He says the political neutrality of civil servants is key in ensuring the effective delivery of their work.
“Political neutrality of civil servants is important to ensure that they deliver,” Prof Gyampo said.
He further criticized some lecturers who openly declare that they belong to one party or the other. He explained that as lecturers, students should feel comfortable approaching them for guidance and assistance. If the students are unable to approach a lecturer because of the political standings of the lecturer then it is problematic, he explained.
Prof Gyampo further welcomed the legal action taken by South Dayi Member of Parliament Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor on the decision of the Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem to contest in the NPP parliamentary primaries while still in office.
He believes that the court ruling on this matter will settle the dust on civil servants going into politics while still at post.
“This matter must be tested in court, it will not hurt at all, I hear Dafeamekpor has gone to court. Let the court processes decide,” he said.
Mr Dafeamekpor in his lawsuit proves in his statement of claim that “the Controller and Accountant General Department is a Civil Service Department under the Ministry of Finance” adding that “the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department was established under the Civil Service Act,1960 (CA 5), which was subsequently repealed by the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327).”
According to the Plaintiff, “the Supreme Court has held in the case of Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSSAG) v The Attorney-General and 2 Others that on a true and proper interpretation of the constitution, a member of the Civil Service has a right to join any political party of his or her choice, however, such a person does not have the right to participate overtly in political party activities whilst still a member of the Civil Service or Local Government Service.”
Mr. Dafeamekpor, who is also a private legal practitioner says he doesn’t understand why Mr. Kwaning-Bosompim is still contesting for Member of Parliament whilst occupying his position as a civil servant.
Mr. Bosompim is contesting the Akyim Swedru seat on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
