In 1925 – 1926, Sir Gordon , the then Governor of the Gold Coast promulgated the first proposal for the development of indigenous civil service. This development was to increase the number of Africans holding high European positions and reduce the cost of employing Europeans and create a local machinery for accelerated development.
In 1941 a scholarship program was launched to further the Africanisation project.
1948- an interim Public Service Commission was inaugurated to advice the Governor on the appointment and promotion in civil service.
Upon attaining independence and republican status in 1957 and 1960 respectfully, various Ministries and Government Departments have been created, restructured or re-aligned to suit the needs of the times
In 1960, the Constituent Assembly passed the Civil Service Act, 1960. It provided for the following:
* The appointment and retirement of Civil Servants, and for
* The conditions of service, disciplinary proceedings and other matters relating to the Civil Service.
The Civil Service Act, 1960, was later complemented by the Civil Service Regulations, 1960.
In 1993, '''the Civil Service Law, 1993, was passed to replace the Civil Service Act, 1960.
Functions
For the purpose of achieving its object under the law, the Service performs the following functions-PNDC Law 32;
Initiate and formulate policy options for consideration of government;
Initiate and advise on government plans;
Undertake such research as may be necessary for the effective implementation of government policies;
Implement government policies;
Review government policies and plans;
Monitor, co-ordinate and evaluate government policies and plans;
Perform such functions as are incidental or conducive to the achievement of the object specified in this Law, and
Perform such other functions as the Executive may direct.
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PNDC Law 327 of 1993 mandates the office of the civil service to undertake the following:
Ensuring efficiency of the service;
Having charge over all Civil Servants
Ensuring effective implementation of government policies and plans;
Advising government on employment and policy formulation within the Service;
Advising on conduct of management audits and review, and
Determining and advising on manpower limits for the Service.
Institutes
The Office of the Head of Civil Service currently has three training institutions which perform different but complementary services to help the office achieve its objectives. These institutes include;