Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana

Benjamin Saka Myers

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

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Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana

Benjamin Saka Myers^*

Published in International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 6)

Received: 24 October 2025 Accepted: 21 November 2025 Published: 17 December 2025

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Abstract

This study critically examines the productivity dynamics within Ghana’s public sector, focusing on the factors influencing worker efficiency, institutional performance, and service delivery. Employing a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, institutional audits, and document reviews across five key ministries. The research is grounded in constructivist and public value management theories, offering a nuanced exploration of systemic, organizational, and behavioural contributors to low productivity. The study identified leadership quality, lack of accountability, rigid bureaucratic structures, digital inefficiencies, and weak motivation as central impediments to productivity. Findings revealed that while many public servants demonstrate capacity and commitment, the institutional environment often stifles initiative and rewards compliance over innovation. A significant gap was also observed between staff perceptions and citizen experiences, highlighting the need for robust feedback mechanisms. Comparative analysis with international best practices from Rwanda, Singapore, and South Korea illuminated potential pathways for reform, emphasizing the importance of performance contracts, digital integration, and continuous professional development. The study offers pragmatic recommendations including the institutionalization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), leadership reform, investment in digital infrastructure, and the adoption of non-monetary incentive schemes. This research contributes to public administration literature by contextualizing productivity within the Ghanaian public service and bridging theoretical constructs with actionable policy insights. It emphasizes that enhancing productivity is not solely a technical endeavour but one that requires political will, cultural change, and systemic transformation. By reimagining public sector work as a vehicle for public value rather than mere compliance, Ghana can make meaningful strides towards a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric administration.

Published in	International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 6)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
Page(s)	373-383
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Public Sector Productivity, Ghana, Leadership, Accountability, Bureaucracy, Digital Governance, Motivation, Public Administration

References

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[25]	Mutabazi, T. (2019). Public sector digitization in Rwanda: Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa. Kigali: Kigali Institute of Governance.
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APA Style

Myers, B. S. (2025). Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana. International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences, 13(6), 373-383. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

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ACS Style

Myers, B. S. Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana. Int. J. Econ. Finance Manag. Sci. 2025, 13(6), 373-383. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

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AMA Style

Myers BS. Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana. Int J Econ Finance Manag Sci. 2025;13(6):373-383. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13,
  author = {Benjamin Saka Myers},
  title = {Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana},
  journal = {International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences},
  volume = {13},
  number = {6},
  pages = {373-383},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijefm.20251306.13},
  abstract = {This study critically examines the productivity dynamics within Ghana’s public sector, focusing on the factors influencing worker efficiency, institutional performance, and service delivery. Employing a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, institutional audits, and document reviews across five key ministries. The research is grounded in constructivist and public value management theories, offering a nuanced exploration of systemic, organizational, and behavioural contributors to low productivity. The study identified leadership quality, lack of accountability, rigid bureaucratic structures, digital inefficiencies, and weak motivation as central impediments to productivity. Findings revealed that while many public servants demonstrate capacity and commitment, the institutional environment often stifles initiative and rewards compliance over innovation. A significant gap was also observed between staff perceptions and citizen experiences, highlighting the need for robust feedback mechanisms. Comparative analysis with international best practices from Rwanda, Singapore, and South Korea illuminated potential pathways for reform, emphasizing the importance of performance contracts, digital integration, and continuous professional development. The study offers pragmatic recommendations including the institutionalization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), leadership reform, investment in digital infrastructure, and the adoption of non-monetary incentive schemes. This research contributes to public administration literature by contextualizing productivity within the Ghanaian public service and bridging theoretical constructs with actionable policy insights. It emphasizes that enhancing productivity is not solely a technical endeavour but one that requires political will, cultural change, and systemic transformation. By reimagining public sector work as a vehicle for public value rather than mere compliance, Ghana can make meaningful strides towards a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric administration.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana
AU  - Benjamin Saka Myers
Y1  - 2025/12/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
T2  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
SP  - 373
EP  - 383
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9561
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
AB  - This study critically examines the productivity dynamics within Ghana’s public sector, focusing on the factors influencing worker efficiency, institutional performance, and service delivery. Employing a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, institutional audits, and document reviews across five key ministries. The research is grounded in constructivist and public value management theories, offering a nuanced exploration of systemic, organizational, and behavioural contributors to low productivity. The study identified leadership quality, lack of accountability, rigid bureaucratic structures, digital inefficiencies, and weak motivation as central impediments to productivity. Findings revealed that while many public servants demonstrate capacity and commitment, the institutional environment often stifles initiative and rewards compliance over innovation. A significant gap was also observed between staff perceptions and citizen experiences, highlighting the need for robust feedback mechanisms. Comparative analysis with international best practices from Rwanda, Singapore, and South Korea illuminated potential pathways for reform, emphasizing the importance of performance contracts, digital integration, and continuous professional development. The study offers pragmatic recommendations including the institutionalization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), leadership reform, investment in digital infrastructure, and the adoption of non-monetary incentive schemes. This research contributes to public administration literature by contextualizing productivity within the Ghanaian public service and bridging theoretical constructs with actionable policy insights. It emphasizes that enhancing productivity is not solely a technical endeavour but one that requires political will, cultural change, and systemic transformation. By reimagining public sector work as a vehicle for public value rather than mere compliance, Ghana can make meaningful strides towards a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric administration.
VL  - 13
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Author Information

Benjamin Saka Myers

Management Development & Productivity Institute (MDPI), Accra, Ghana

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http://orcid.org/0009-0008-3096-0578

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APA Style

Myers, B. S. (2025). Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana. International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences, 13(6), 373-383. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

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ACS Style

Myers, B. S. Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana. Int. J. Econ. Finance Manag. Sci. 2025, 13(6), 373-383. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

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AMA Style

Myers BS. Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana. Int J Econ Finance Manag Sci. 2025;13(6):373-383. doi: 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13,
  author = {Benjamin Saka Myers},
  title = {Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana},
  journal = {International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences},
  volume = {13},
  number = {6},
  pages = {373-383},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijefm.20251306.13},
  abstract = {This study critically examines the productivity dynamics within Ghana’s public sector, focusing on the factors influencing worker efficiency, institutional performance, and service delivery. Employing a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, institutional audits, and document reviews across five key ministries. The research is grounded in constructivist and public value management theories, offering a nuanced exploration of systemic, organizational, and behavioural contributors to low productivity. The study identified leadership quality, lack of accountability, rigid bureaucratic structures, digital inefficiencies, and weak motivation as central impediments to productivity. Findings revealed that while many public servants demonstrate capacity and commitment, the institutional environment often stifles initiative and rewards compliance over innovation. A significant gap was also observed between staff perceptions and citizen experiences, highlighting the need for robust feedback mechanisms. Comparative analysis with international best practices from Rwanda, Singapore, and South Korea illuminated potential pathways for reform, emphasizing the importance of performance contracts, digital integration, and continuous professional development. The study offers pragmatic recommendations including the institutionalization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), leadership reform, investment in digital infrastructure, and the adoption of non-monetary incentive schemes. This research contributes to public administration literature by contextualizing productivity within the Ghanaian public service and bridging theoretical constructs with actionable policy insights. It emphasizes that enhancing productivity is not solely a technical endeavour but one that requires political will, cultural change, and systemic transformation. By reimagining public sector work as a vehicle for public value rather than mere compliance, Ghana can make meaningful strides towards a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric administration.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Improving the Productivity of the Public Sector Worker in Ghana
AU  - Benjamin Saka Myers
Y1  - 2025/12/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
T2  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
SP  - 373
EP  - 383
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2326-9561
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijefm.20251306.13
AB  - This study critically examines the productivity dynamics within Ghana’s public sector, focusing on the factors influencing worker efficiency, institutional performance, and service delivery. Employing a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods design, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, institutional audits, and document reviews across five key ministries. The research is grounded in constructivist and public value management theories, offering a nuanced exploration of systemic, organizational, and behavioural contributors to low productivity. The study identified leadership quality, lack of accountability, rigid bureaucratic structures, digital inefficiencies, and weak motivation as central impediments to productivity. Findings revealed that while many public servants demonstrate capacity and commitment, the institutional environment often stifles initiative and rewards compliance over innovation. A significant gap was also observed between staff perceptions and citizen experiences, highlighting the need for robust feedback mechanisms. Comparative analysis with international best practices from Rwanda, Singapore, and South Korea illuminated potential pathways for reform, emphasizing the importance of performance contracts, digital integration, and continuous professional development. The study offers pragmatic recommendations including the institutionalization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), leadership reform, investment in digital infrastructure, and the adoption of non-monetary incentive schemes. This research contributes to public administration literature by contextualizing productivity within the Ghanaian public service and bridging theoretical constructs with actionable policy insights. It emphasizes that enhancing productivity is not solely a technical endeavour but one that requires political will, cultural change, and systemic transformation. By reimagining public sector work as a vehicle for public value rather than mere compliance, Ghana can make meaningful strides towards a more responsive, efficient, and citizen-centric administration.
VL  - 13
IS  - 6
ER  -

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