There is a common perception that individuals working in the private sector tend to exhibit more professionalism compared to their counterparts in the government sector.
Renowned economist, Professor Stephen Adei, attributes the perceived lackadaisical attitude among government sector workers to the lingering effects of colonialism.
He notes that productivity levels in the government sector often fall below expectations.
However, Professor Adei highlights a shifting narrative in the private sector, where productivity levels are gradually on the rise.
Despite these observations, the former GRA Board Chairman acknowledges a concerning trend of employees in both sectors engaging in acts of theft against their employers.
“I think one of the worst legacies of colonialism in Ghana in particular is ‘aban dwuma’ mentality, government work. It is still there, and the private sector people sometimes are at the point of weeping in the sense that not only is productivity low, but the people really sabotage,” he said in the interview.
“Most of them steal and it is becoming a norm that even Ghanaians not only the Indians and other things, but now certain positions also employ foreigners from Philippines, India and put them in strategic positions,” he added.