By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Feb. 24, GNA – Madam Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the Minister of State-designate for Public Sector Reforms, Monday said she would build on existing structures to make the public sector “efficient, modern and robust”.
Answering questions at the public vetting, she emphasised the importance of clear communication in addressing challenges, including bureaucratic issues within the sector.
She cited limited resources, bureaucracy, political interference, and resistance to change as some of the challenges there, stressing that effective communication and innovative approaches could help overcome some of those setbacks.
Ms Aknavariba touched on strengthening institutional framework, managing limited resources, and leveraging technology to combat corruption.
“When given the opportunity, I will go by government policy, and my own initiative… I will engage state and non-state actors and various sectors of the public sector services…,” she said.
“We are going to look at strengthening the institutional framework…we are going to see how we can leverage on technology for people to understand that technology can help us do away with some of the corrupt practices,” she stated.
The Minister-designate, also the Member of Parliament for Tempane Constituency, defined the public sector broadly, indicating that it was “not just about local government.”
Expressing support for digitalisation, Ms Akanvariba said she would work with other sector ministers and agencies to strengthen existing digital platforms.
“I am here to strengthen what has started already….it is my responsibility to continue from where you started and make the public sector efficient, modern and robust,” she noted.
Asked about budget allocation for her office, Ms Akanvariba expressed confidence that the Finance Ministry would provide adequate resources to support her functions.
She highlighted performance appraisals, motivation, and productivity, adding that there will be key performance indicators, good working environment, and capacity building in the public sector.
“I want to see motivation and productivity, and you can’t get productivity without motivation; the two must go together…So once we are interested in productivity, we should be able to reward people who are working well…” she noted.
GNA