As you look for jobs for your party boys & girls, don’t be sacking people with technical knowledge in public service & other institutions – Dr Simon Boateng tells NDC
Dr. Simon Boateng has cautioned the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government against the practice of appointing “party boys and girls” into public service roles, at the expense of individuals possessing technical knowledge and institutional experience.
Speaking on Kessben FM with KOD, Dr. Boateng argued that while political considerations are understandable in staffing decisions, the wholesale displacement of qualified professionals undermines the efficiency, integrity and long-term functionality of state institutions.
He emphasised that government recruitment and appointments should not be driven purely by partisan loyalty or patronage, but should prioritise merit: “As you look for jobs for your party boys and girls, don’t be sacking people with technical knowledge in public service and other institutions,” he urged.
Dr. Boateng’s warning comes at a time when Ghana’s public sector is under pressure: rising demands on services, budget constraints, and calls for more effective governance. The removal of experienced staff in favour of politically connected individuals risks eroding institutional memory, weakening capacity and placing the burden of inefficient systems on citizens.
He further noted that the challenge is not simply the existence of vacancies but the quality of those appointed into them. Skilled professionals, familiar with institutional processes and public-service culture, provide continuity. Their abrupt replacement with less-experienced but politically affiliated persons can cause disruptions, degrade service delivery and undermine public trust.
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