ETHICAL ISSUES IN GHANA PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

ETHICAL ISSUES IN GHANA PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Background To The Study

Ethics is defined as the basic principles of rules of conduct and right action (Chapman, 1993). It is moral characteristics that are either present or absent.  The concept of ethics in the public service has become a significant issue in modern times. This is because the image and success of a government depend upon the conduct of its public officers and the perception of the public about the conduct of public officers. The duties of  Public officers are therefore  to   act in a  just and fair manner in the conduct of their service. The personal self-interest of public officials should be subordinated to the interest of the public to which they serve especially in areas of conflict of interest .Also their private  conduct should be of  high  ethical standards  enhance government reputation and image. (Chapman, 1993; Rohr, 1978; Kernighan, 1980). Secondly, the maintenance of good ethical values in governance attracts foreign aids, support and acceptance. (Dwivedi, 1987; Caiden 1981).The research therefore seek to investigate Ethical issues in Ghana Public Administration

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The concept of ethics in the public service has become a significant issue in modern times. This is because the image and success of a government depend upon the conduct of its public officers and the perception of the public about the conduct of public officers. The duties of Public officers are therefore to   act in a just and fair manner in the conduct of their service. The personal self-interest of public officials should be subordinated to the interest of the public to which they serve especially in areas of conflict of interest. Also their private conduct should be of high ethical standards enhance government reputation and image. (Chapman, 1993; Rohr, 1978; Kernighan, 1980). Secondly, the maintenance of good ethical values in governance attracts foreign aids, support and acceptance. (Dwivedi, 1987; Caiden 1981).

The wide trend of corruption and abuse of public office by government official in developing countries has dissuaded the international communities from international investment and cooperation. Consequently there is a global call for ethical standard in the conduct of governance in Africa. Political Governance all over the world is calling for transparency and accountability in government through sound ethical standards and observance by political office holders. Consequently in view of the activities of some corrupt office holders in government it is expected that a study of this nature shall seek to address this ethical misconduct and proffer the needed recommendation to redress ethical misconduct in political governance. (Graham, 1974; Hanekon, 1986).Therefore the problem confronting the research is to appraise the Ethical issue in Ghana public Administration.

ETHICAL ISSUES IN GHANA PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION