PSRS, OSPA hold 5th Quarterly Progress Review with selected public sector institutions

The Public Sector Reform Secretariat (PSRS) and the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor (OSPA), have held the 5th quarterly progress review workshop on the Public Sector Reform for Results Project (PSRRP) with selected Public Sector Institutions from April 15th to April 17th, 2024 in Cape Coast.

The objectives of the three-day workshop were to review the results achieved by the Selected Entities through the implementation of their reform activities and to assess the progress of implementation of the seven Performance-Based Conditions (PBCs).

The engagement also provided a platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning among stakeholders, underscoring Ghana's commitment to enhancing public sector efficiency and service delivery.

The Senior Presidential Advisor, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo emphasized the importance of periodic progress assessments, collaboration among stakeholders, and the development of strategies to achieve targeted results.

He stated, “The workshop is a good forum for stakeholders to assess the progress made periodically, share ideas and brainstorm on how to address challenges that emerged, develop strategies to achieve targeted results, and deepen the teamwork spirit required to drive the PSRRP towards a successful Project closure in June 2024.”

He commended the efforts of participants in driving the PSRRP towards successful project closure in June 2024 and acknowledged the positive impact of previous workshops.

Mr. Osafo-Maafo expressed gratitude to the World Bank Team, led by Mr. Smile Kwawukume, for their consistent support and contribution to the success of the PSRRP.

“Our goal for this workshop is to discuss and focus on the results achieved and the success stories realized from the implementation of your respective activities and most importantly your sustainability plans for all the laudable interventions beyond the Project,” he added.

He emphasized the workshop's focus on highlighting achievements and success stories while discussing sustainability plans for interventions beyond the project's conclusion.

The Senior Presidential Advisor further disclosed that the PSRS under his Office engaged a private firm, Pricewaterhouse Coopers to review the National Public Sector Reform Strategy which elapsed in December 2023 to further ensure the continuity and sustainability of the reform activities and initiatives pursued over the previous four years.

“The expectation of the new Strategy will consolidate the gains and results achieved under the PSRRP and build upon them going forward,” he noted.

The progress review brought together members of the Project Management Unit, Project Implementing Team (PIT) coordinators, and members from the thirteen selected entities.

The selected entities were the Births and Deaths Registry (BDR), Public Services Commission (PSC), Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Passport Office (PO), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Monitoring and Evaluation Secretariat (MES), and the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

Also included are the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the PSRS. Some officials, staff from PSRS/OSPA, members from the Independent Verification Agent (IVA), key persons from the World Bank Team, and officers from the Ministry of Finance – World Bank Unit.

Presentations and discussions at the workshop were mainly centered on key issues related to the Project implementation with a focus on Project closure in June 2024, procurement, financial management (finance and audit), monitoring and evaluation report and communication (success stories report) on the first day.

There were presentations on the status of the implementation of planned activities, success stories, and sustainability plans of the reform initiatives/activities by the Selected Entities.