By Ahmed TAHIRU
In recent years, I have observed with growing concern how several sectors in Ghana, from energy and agriculture to public infrastructure and human capital, continue to operate under the burden of inefficiency.
While this is not a new challenge, history attests that these inefficiencies have persisted for decades, quietly undermining the country’s ability to deliver sustainable progress.
These are not isolated or temporary setbacks. They are embedded flaws that deplete national resources, slow innovation, and suppress economic dynamism.
If Ghana is to rise as a stable and fast-growing economy within Africa and on the global stage, then these sectors must be critically reviewed, strategically refined, and decisively reset.
It is time for a national shift toward intentional, value-driven systems that can unlock Ghana’s true economic potential.
I have analysed and want to tackle key sectors that are seriously experiencing worse inefficiencies and limiting national progress.
Public sector payroll – eliminating ghost workers and enhancing transparency
Ghana’s public sector payroll has long been burdened by inefficiencies, notably the prevalence of ghost workers—individuals listed on the payroll who do not actually work. In 2023, a nationwide payroll monitoring exercise uncovered over 81,000 suspected ghost names, leading to potential savings of approximately GH¢345 million. Such inefficiencies not only drain public funds but also erode trust in governmental institutions.
Innovative solutions:
- Biometric integration: Link all payroll systems to biometric databases such as the Ghana Card and National Health Insurance Scheme to authenticate employee identities, ensuring that only legitimate workers are compensated.
- Blockchain payroll registry: Implement a decentralized payroll ledger accessible to auditors and HR departments across ministries, enhancing transparency and reducing opportunities for fraudulent entries.
- AI-based anomaly detection: Utilize artificial intelligence tools to identify irregularities in payroll data, such as duplicate names or unusual salary patterns, enabling real-time detection and correction of anomalies.
Public procurement – enhancing transparency and accountability
Ghana’s public procurement processes have been criticized for a lack of transparency and susceptibility to corruption. Issues such as single-source contracts and inflated pricing are prevalent, leading to inefficient use of public funds. The absence of a centralized procurement system allows for fragmented and opaque purchasing practices across various government agencies.
Innovative solutions:
- AI-driven tender evaluation: Deploy machine learning models to assess supplier bids, comparing prices globally to detect anomalies and prevent overpricing.
- E-procurement platforms: Fully digitize the tendering process with real-time dashboards accessible to the public, enabling transparent monitoring of procurement activities.
- Contract smart cards: Develop digital identification cards for vendors, tracking every transaction and ensuring traceability of contract performance, thereby enhancing accountability.
Customs and trade – streamlining processes to boost competitiveness
Ghana’s customs and trade systems are often characterized by cumbersome procedures and lack of transparency, hindering trade facilitation. Importers report erratic application of customs regulations and lengthy clearance procedures, which increase costs and delays.
Innovative solutions:
- AI and big data for valuation: Employ artificial intelligence to cross-reference invoice values with international trade data, detecting under-invoicing and ensuring accurate duty assessments.
- Digital container tracking: Implement GPS-enabled tracking for all incoming containers, providing real-time monitoring and inspection alerts to streamline customs processes.
- Blockchain trade ledger: Establish a transparent import and export record system shared across customs, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and banks, reducing fraud and enhancing efficiency.
Local government (MMDAs): empowering decentralized development
Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in Ghana often face challenges such as limited financial autonomy and inadequate capacity, hindering effective service delivery. Over-centralization of decision-making processes limits the responsiveness of local governments to community needs.
Innovative solutions:
- Local government financial dashboards: Provide real-time public dashboards on district project spending, updated quarterly, to enhance transparency and citizen engagement.
- Geo-mapping of funds: Utilize satellite and GIS tools to map where district funds are being spent, comparing actual expenditures against planned budgets to ensure accountability.
- Performance-based disbursement: Link the release of District Assemblies Common Fund allocations to key performance indicators tracked digitally, such as service delivery metrics and audit scores.
National Health Insurance Scheme: Ensuring financial sustainability and service quality
The NHIS in Ghana faces challenges including delayed reimbursements to healthcare providers and manual claim processing systems prone to errors and fraud. These inefficiencies strain the scheme’s financial sustainability and undermine public confidence.
Innovative solutions:
- AI-powered claims vetting: Implement machine learning algorithms to cross-check medical claims, detecting fraud patterns and reducing processing times.
- Mobile NHIS wallet: Launch a mobile-based NHIS wallet for citizens to track renewals, check hospital coverage, and view claims, enhancing user engagement and transparency.
- Health blockchain: Create a shared health record blockchain that validates claims against verified service delivery, ensuring accuracy and reducing fraudulent activities.
Conclusion: A nation’s progress hinges on bold reforms
Having observed the inefficiencies across Ghana’s public systems not just in recent years but echoed over decades, I am convinced that our economic challenges are not born from a lack of potential but from the poor stewardship of our resources.
We cannot afford to normalize inefficiency while hoping for transformation. What we need now is not another conference or policy paper but an unflinching commitment to reform and results.
The solutions laid out are not futuristic ideals. They are timely, feasible, and transformative if we have the courage to implement them.
Digitizing payrolls, integrating blockchain into procurement, automating customs, making local governments transparent, and restructuring our health insurance claims process are not merely technical upgrades. Every inefficiency we ignore is a cost we pass on to future generations.
To the leaders entrusted with national development, the roadmap is clear. To the private sector, the opportunity to collaborate and co-create solutions is vast. To the citizens, your voice, vigilance, and vote matter more now than ever.
The real question is: Do we have the collective will to reset our systems and truly build the Ghana we deserve?
>>>the writer is a dedicated financial literacy advocate and aspiring entrepreneur with a mission to empower individuals through knowledge. With a deep passion for helping others unlock their financial potential, he believes that financial education is key to personal and community growth. Outside of his advocacy work, Ahmed is an avid reader and strategic writer, constantly learning and sharing insights. Guided by the philosophy, “Your attitude, not your aptitude will determine your altitude,” he focuses on fostering a positive mindset for success in all endeavours. He can be reached via +233 543 460 166 and or [email protected] and or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-tahiru
