In a recent discussion on JoyNews, Professor Yaw Adu-Gyamfi voiced concerns over Ghana’s persistent reliance on foreign contractors and the inefficiencies in utilizing local human resources. Despite having well-trained professionals, Ghana continues to outsource critical projects, sidelining capable Ghanaians.
Professor Adu-Gyamfi highlighted the underutilization of qualified professionals, particularly engineers and teachers. At the time of independence, Ghana had fewer than a thousand doctors, and the emphasis was often on civil service as the primary career path. This focus neglected other critical sectors, leading to a waste of human potential as the pension system extruded skilled individuals prematurely.
The retirement system in Ghana was criticized for forcing experienced professionals out of the workforce when they still have much to offer. Professor Adu-Gyamfi illustrated this with the example of civil engineers and architects who, as they gain experience, improve in their fields. Yet, at the age of 60, these professionals are often mandated to retire, cutting short their valuable contributions.
Ghana’s reliance on foreign contractors for infrastructure projects was another significant concern. Despite decades of training local experts, foreign companies are still brought in to handle major projects, such as road construction and coastal protection. Professor Adu-Gyamfi pointed out the historical success of countries like the Netherlands, which reclaimed land from the sea centuries ago with less advanced technology and fewer resources.
The academic urged a shift in leadership culture, one that appreciates institutional knowledge and reduces political bias in public service. The current system often discards experienced individuals, leading to a loss of accumulated knowledge and expertise. This over-politicization leads to the exclusion of talented individuals based on political affiliations rather than merit.
Professor Adu-Gyamfi called for urgent reforms to leadership, institutional systems, and the political culture in Ghana. By doing so, the nation can better utilize its human resources and local expertise, paving the way for sustainable development. The need to re-engineer systems to retain skilled professionals is crucial, as is fostering an environment where political neutrality is maintained in public service roles.
This perspective underscores the importance of reforming systems that waste human potential and over-politicize sectors critical to national development. Addressing these issues can lead to more effective utilization of local talent, fostering growth and innovation within Ghana.
Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.myjoyonline.com/we-waste-human-resource-and-over-politicise-the-system-prof-adu-gyamfi/. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
