Accra, Ghana//-Emerging Public Leaders of Ghana (EPL Ghana), an organisation committed to empowering the next generation of public service professionals has graduated 24 fellows after going on a comprehensive 12-month residential Public Service Fellowship (PSF).
The fellows being the fifth cohort of EPL Ghana’s one-year flagship programme were trained in many areas including ethics, integrity, communication, conflict of interest, corruption, and ICT which are critical to emerging public sector officials.
They were also assessed by the management of EPL Ghana on their community assessment report on the Volta River Authority’s induced Akosombo Dam spillage disaster which affected over 30 thousand people, several farms, houses, livelihoods and several communities. Several victims camped at Mepe and neighbouring communities in the North Tongu and South Tongu districts of the Volta Region.
The final report of the community assessment would be submitted to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, the two districts and other relevant institutions to show EPL Ghana and its fellow’s contribution to solving the disaster.
The fellows were the first to do policy assessment and engagement on the Mepe disaster aside from the donations and relief efforts by the state and non-state actors.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Country Director of EPL Ghana, Madam Juliet A. Amoah said: “A year ago, these young leaders before us embarked on a challenging journey. They chose to dedicate themselves to public service – a noble calling that demands integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the people of Ghana”.
Throughout their fellowship, the graduates have undertaken policy assessment projects and influenced institutions and programmes in their respective partner-host organisations.
They have demonstrated exceptional skills in achieving workplace targets but also in showcasing ethical leadership, according to Madam Amoah.
“Our idea of leadership is hinged on the appreciative inquiry model. Everyone is a leader where they are, and they have a sphere of influence.
We teach our fellows to extend that reach of influence and to focus on how they can create value rather than on their job titles. That and a dedication to a high work ethic helps them make contributions to critical national development initiatives across various ministries, public agencies, and policy-facing CSOs across the country”.
Their accomplishments are proof that our focus on ethical behaviour and integrity is deserving, and it works, Madam Amoah stated.
In an era where the challenges facing the nation are complex and multifaceted, the role of a competent, ethical public service, she noted could not be overstated. “You, our graduating fellows, represent the future of Ghana’s public service. Your fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and commitment to excellence are exactly what our nation needs to progress and prosper”.
As they step into their roles in the various public sector organizations, Madam Amoah urged them to stay true to the values of integrity and ethical leadership they have honed during this fellowship.
“Continue to seek knowledge and growth opportunities. Be bold in your pursuit of innovative solutions to systemic challenges and most of all remember that your work, actions and inactions directly impact the lives of Ghanaian citizens”, she advised.
Madam Amaoh used the occasion to express their deepest gratitude to their partners at the Mastercard Foundation which have contributed to the sustainability of the Fellowship.
She also thanked their partners in the Public Service and the Office of the Head of Civil Service who continue to provide their fellows with employment opportunities and to put them at decision-making tables.
“To you, our graduates; we say big congratulations to you for the successful completion of this competitive but rewarding programme.
As you graduate today, remember that this is not an end, but a beginning into public service and the journey of being an alumnus of the programme and that we expect you to pay everything you have gained forward by mentoring others and continuing to live to the high standards we have introduced you to”.
In a keynote address by Bernard Avle, a renowned Ghanaian journalist noted that the fellows are graduating and moving into the public sector at the time that it is performing below expectation.
He therefore advised the fellows to put the knowledge and skills they gained during the fellowship to the service of the country’s public sector.
Mr Avle who is the General Manager of Citi FM and Citi TV and hosts the Citi Breakfast Show said public sector management is critical in better economic management as well as bridging the gender gap in the country.
The fellows also used the opportunity to express their heartfelt gratitude to the EPL Ghana and its Country Director, MasterCard Foundation and the facilitators for the honour done.
They assured that they would use the knowledge and skills they gained to help transform the country’s public service.
Throwing more light on the Public Service Fellowship (PSF), the Program Manager of EPL Ghana, Ms Elizabeth Ofori in an interview explained that the Public Service Fellowship is EPL Ghana’s one-year flagship program designed to equip young graduates with competencies and capabilities across thematic areas required to thrive in public office.
The model according to her incorporates components such as meritocratic recruitment; performance management with supervision; responsive training; community service projects; mentorship; and alumni engagement.
Ms Ofori added that these components are designed to hone skills, attitudes, knowledge and understanding of public sector work to enable successful public service careers translating to good governance and nation-building.
20-35 fellows are accepted per cohort after which they join the fellowship programme alumni. It currently has 70 alumni.
Ms Ofori added that fellows and alumni are currently serving in over 34 public service and sector institutions across Ghana’s Central Government including the Ministry of Education; Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration; Ministry of Land and Natural Resources; Ministry of Finance; and Ghana Commodity Exchange.
Fellows are selected from all the 16 regions of Ghana, she said.
According to data available to this publication, PSF-EPL Ghana attained a 57% increase in the proportion of females, demonstrating their commitment to gender diversity since the commencement of the fellowship programme.
65% of alumni work in civil service and are shaping policy and governance across various ministries and agencies. EPL Ghana also collaborated with 24 ministries and agencies, enhancing public administration nationwide.
Ms Ofori added that EPL Ghana also partnered with 10 public sector institutions, contributing to a wide public service delivery.
With 53% mentors from the public sector and 47% from the private sector, the fellows gain a comprehensive outlook from industry experts, equipping them to meet the dynamic demands of public service and drive efficient service delivery. Active participation in community service projects, instilling a sense of civic responsibility and social impact.
