Former Head of Civil Service explains why corruption is high in civil service

Former Head of the Civil Service of Ghana, Dr Alex Glover

Former Head of the Civil Service of Ghana, Dr Alex Glover, has argued that inadequate salaries for senior civil servants contribute to inefficiency and create conditions that can encourage corruption.

Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, he said government officials entrusted with managing substantial public funds should receive salaries that reflect the level of responsibility they hold.

Recounting his experience during his tenure, Dr Glover said he once engaged the World Bank, a UK-based group, to secure significantly higher salaries for directors in the Civil Service.

He recalled proposing a monthly salary of $2,000 for directors, an amount he said surprised the representatives.

“I was trying to convince them to pay salaries of like $2,000 a month to directors, and they looked shocked at the mention of it,” he said.

Dr Glover questioned the justification for entrusting a Chief Director with more than $1 million in public funds while paying the official only about $400 monthly.

“You are entrusting the Chief Director of a Ministry with more than $1 million, yet paying them just $400 a month. Is it reasonable?” he asked.

He argued that paying senior public officials poorly while placing large financial responsibilities on them creates a difficult situation for effective public financial management.

According to him, improving salaries to levels that provide adequate financial security could help manage corruption within the Civil Service.

“If you pay them the amount that will make them happy, corruption could be managed,” he added.