In a move aimed at bolstering public trust and improving the efficiency of government operations, the Ghanaian government has announced the implementation of an Annual Agency Performance Index. This initiative seeks to elevate service delivery standards, enhance transparency, and incentivize continuous improvement across various government agencies. The announcement was made by Nana Oye Bampoe Addo during the dissemination of the 2024 Public Opinion Survey Report, signaling a new era of accountability within the public sector.

The Annual Agency Performance Index is designed to provide a clear and transparent framework for evaluating the effectiveness of government agencies in Ghana. According to the government, the index will enhance the transparent tracking of institutional performance and motivate agencies to strive for continuous improvement.

The introduction of the Agency Performance Index underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability. By providing a measurable benchmark for agency performance, the index aims to foster a culture of excellence and responsibility within the public sector. As part of this initiative, the government plans to reward best-performing institutions starting in Q3 2025, further incentivizing competition and motivating staff to achieve higher standards.

The 2024 Public Opinion Survey, conducted between October and December, provides valuable insights into public perceptions of government agency performance. The survey assessed public awareness, perceptions of transparency, accessibility, responsiveness, satisfaction, and overall efficiency. According to Madam Juliana Ama Kplorfia, Head of Research, Statistics and Information Management at the Office of the President, over 1,000 responses were collected from across Ghana’s 16 regions.

Key findings from the survey reveal areas needing improvement. Only 35% of respondents indicated they had received services from agencies within the Office of Government Machinery (OGM), while 42% had not received any services. A significant 23% were unaware that the services they received originated from OGM agencies. In terms of effectiveness, 56% of respondents viewed agencies as effective, while 44% considered them ineffective. Transparency ratings were particularly low, with only 4% considering agencies “very transparent” and 9% “transparent,” while 49% believed they were “not transparent” or “not transparent at all.” Regarding accessibility, 40% described agencies as “somewhat accessible,” 12% as “accessible,” and 6% as “very accessible,” while 24% found services “somewhat not accessible,” and 18% believed they were “not accessible at all.”

The Office of Government Machinery (OGM) comprises several key institutions, including State Protocol, the Council of State, the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), the National Population Commission, the Ghana Aids Commission, the Millennium Development Authority, the Zongo Development Fund, the Micro and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), the National Centre for Early Warning Secretariat, the Ghana News Agency, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, and the Information Services Department. These agencies form the operational arm of the Presidency, playing a crucial role in supporting policy implementation.

The Public Opinion Survey, which informed the creation of the Agency Performance Index, gathered data through a combination of focus group discussions, interviews, and online platforms, ensuring a comprehensive representation of public sentiment across the country.

The implications of the Agency Performance Index are far-reaching. By establishing clear performance metrics and incentivizing improvement, the index has the potential to significantly impact public sector employees and enhance the quality of public services for citizens. Ultimately, this initiative promises to promote greater efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness within government agencies, fostering a stronger relationship between the government and the people it serves.

In summary, the Annual Agency Performance Ranking Index represents a significant step towards improving service delivery, transparency, and accountability within Ghana’s public sector. By providing a framework for evaluating agency performance and incentivizing continuous improvement, this initiative has the potential to drive positive change and strengthen governance across the nation.