
prof. Gyampo
Professor Ransford Gyampo, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, has raised serious concerns about the inefficiencies in Ghana’s state institutions. He believes that political interference is a major cause of these issues. During an interview on TV3’s The Keypoints on January 11, 2025, Gyampo compared Ghana’s institutions to those in countries like South Africa, which operate much more efficiently.
In South Africa, government schools are well-managed and respected. Parents are eager to enroll their children in these schools. In contrast, Gyampo noted that Ghana’s government-run institutions often struggle unless they are privatized. He sees this as a reflection of deeper systemic problems.
Gyampo emphasized that the inefficiencies in Ghanaian institutions are not inherent. Instead, they stem from poor leadership and political meddling. “The problem often lies in who we appoint to lead these institutions,” he explained. When capable individuals are appointed, they frequently face obstacles due to political interference. This leads to frustration and resignations, creating a cycle of instability.
He lamented the culture of political meddling that disrupts progress. When leaders who want to implement real change are thwarted by political influences, they often give up. The next person to take over faces the same challenges, leading to further inefficiency.
Gyampo called for a reevaluation of how leadership appointments are made. He believes reducing political interference is crucial for improving the performance of state institutions. “We need to ensure these organizations can run effectively without resorting to privatization,” he said.