Government Targets Digital Overhaul of Public Services Under New Reform Strategy

The government is preparing a major digital transformation of Ghana’s public sector as part of a new reform strategy aimed at improving service delivery, accountability and transparency.
Minister of State for Public Sector Reforms Secretariat, Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, said the second phase of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy (NPSRS II) will prioritise stronger ICT systems, better coordination among institutions and improved workforce deployment.
Speaking at a national consultation to finalise the policy document for Cabinet approval, she said the new strategy seeks to move away from fragmented reforms and create a more integrated public service system.
A key component of the plan includes establishing a “one-stop shop” for government services to make service delivery faster and more efficient.
The government also plans to expand national fibre backbone infrastructure and make digital record-keeping a central part of operations across public institutions.
Madam Akanvariba said the reforms would also include gender-responsive policies aimed at improving women’s access to digital tools and services, particularly within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
She raised concerns over the placement of skilled personnel in the public sector, arguing that many qualified workers are not positioned effectively to maximise productivity.
The Minister also called for a review of the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845), saying technocrats should be protected from political interference when governments change.
“Most of the people working in the public sector are technocrats, and politicians should not intrude in their work,” she stated.
Director of Policy, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry, Mr Joseph Abbey, said the first phase of reforms, supported by the World Bank, helped retool 13 institutions including the Births and Deaths Registry, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority and the Passport Office.
He said the new strategy will build on those gains by scaling up digital infrastructure and ensuring public institutions provide faster and more reliable services to citizens and businesses.