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.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
To determine the Ethical issues in Ghana Public Administration
1.4 Research Questions
What are the conceptual issues in Ethics in public administration?
What is the level of compliance of Ethical Issues in Ghana Public Administration?
1.5 Significance of the Study
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.
1.6 Research Hypothesis
Ho The Ethical Standard in Ghana Public Administration is Low
Hi The Ethical Standard in Ghana Public Administration is high
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the appraisal of The Ethical Issues in Ghana Public Administration
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The research was confronted by geographical constraint and logistics.
1.9 Definition of Terms
ETHICS DEFINED
Ethics can be defined as the basic principles of right action and rules of conduct (Chapman, 1993). The concept of ethics in the public service has become a significant issue in modern times. The duties of Public officers are therefore to act in a just and fair manner in the conduct of their service
OMBUDSMAN DEFINED
This is an office which independently receives and investigates allegations of maladministration
VALUE DEFINED;
Value constitutes peoples idea of what is acceptable or unacceptable or virtuous or without virtue. It is the importance people attribute to experiences, activities, or phenomena, and which provide guideline for their personal conduct (Dwivedi, 1978).
NEPOTISM DEFINED
The is regarded as the special favour granted to relations, friends to public
Positions, without consideration to the principle of merit and which may result poor quality of t public service
Corruption.
This constitute the misuse of public funds and resources for personal gains
REFERENCES
Ajuogu, M.O. (1983) "Ethical Dilemmas of Public Sector Executives in Developing Countries", International Review of Administrative Sciences, vol. 4: 287-392.
Ayee, J.R.A. (1997) "A code of conduct for public officials: the Ghanaian experience 1992-96", International Review of Administrative Sciences, vol. 63, n°. 3 (September): 369è375).
Bailey, S.K. (1964) "Ethics
