Transparency and accountability critical for efficiency in public services

Transparency and accountability are critical for the efficient functioning of a modern economy and for fostering social well-being, said Mozambique’s Minister of Public Service, Vitória Diogo.

She made this remark at the opening of a three-day forum of African Heads of Public Services in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, on 8 July 2008.

Speaking on the topic ‘Creating a Value-based, Principled and Ethical Civil Service in Africa’, the Minister stressed: “Transparency ensures that information is available that can be used to measure the authorities’ performance and to guard against any possible misuse of powers.

“It serves to achieve accountability, which means that authorities can be held responsible for their actions. Without transparency and accountability, trust will be lacking between a government and those whom it governs and the result would be social instability and an environment that is less than conducive to economic growth.”

Ms Diogo also emphasised that ethical leadership was an important criteria in enhancing public services by upholding principles and values.

“Ethical leadership entails devotion to the cause of national unity, national development and people’s prosperity; leadership by example; and the linkage between legality and legitimacy.”

The Minister said institutions, systems and processes for promoting integrity in public service should be in place to promote efficiency and effectiveness, and to build confidence. She stated that these institutions comprise anti-corruption units, well-functioning national parliaments, an independent judiciary, a development oriented public service, a strong media and a vibrant civil society.

Jacqueline Wilson, Director of Governance and Institutional Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat, which co-organised this workshop with the Government of Mozambique, said the event provided a platform for networking, learning and sharing of experiences in the management of public services in Africa.

Ms Wilson underscored the need to create a competent, professional and responsive public service that exercises integrity, values and ethics to ensure that all citizens are served in an effective and equitable manner.

Secretariat Links:

• Governance
• Country Profile: Mozambique