2025
‘They are all our people, appoint them’: the impact of patronage on bureaucratic appointments in Ghana
KOPECKÝ, PetrBasic information
Original name
‘They are all our people, appoint them’: the impact of patronage on bureaucratic appointments in Ghana
Authors
KOPECKÝ, Petr
Edition
1. vyd. Cheltenham, UK, Political Science and Public Policy 2025, p. 473-491, 19 pp. Handbook of Politicization and Political Patronage, 2025
Publisher
Elgaronline
Other information
Language
English
Type of outcome
Chapter(s) of a specialized book
Field of Study
50601 Political science
Country of publisher
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Confidentiality degree
is not subject to a state or trade secret
Publication form
electronic version available online
References:
Marked to be transferred to RIV
Yes
Organization unit
CEVRO University
ISBN
978-1-0353-2623-5
Keywords in English
Patronage; Civil service; NPM; Bureaucrats; Loyalty; Bureaucrats; Autonomy; Public interest
Tags
Tags
Reviewed
Changed: 19/4/2026 09:51, doc. PhDr. Martin Jemelka, Ph.D.
Abstract
In the original language
This study analyzes the impact of political patronage on bureaucratic appointments in Ghana. It examines how patronage practices shape the functioning of the civil service within the framework of New Public Management (NPM), with particular attention to bureaucratic loyalty, autonomy, and the pursuit of the public interest. The study explores the tension between merit-based recruitment and politically driven appointments, highlighting how patronage can weaken bureaucratic professionalism while strengthening political influence. It concludes by assessing the implications of these dynamics for governance quality and institutional effectiveness in Ghana.