4 Tips on Succeeding as a Young, African Public Servant

It’s no secret that being a young person in government can be challenging. However, access to the right tools and networks makes a difference.

We asked a few of our Public Service Fellows in Ghana to chime in on what it takes to succeed as a young public servant.

Here’s what they had to say:

1. Don’t forget your ‘Why’

Public service can be one of the most fulfilling kinds of work. A key to succeeding in complex, often bureaucratic environments is remembering your ‘why’.

“I found my ‘why’ during a Community Service Project when I coached a high school student through problems hindering his development and studies. I felt fulfilled knowing my mentee successfully navigated those difficulties and eventually secured university admission.” — Hanifa Abdulai, Cohort 3 Emerging Public Leaders Fellow

Hanifa Abdulai is an enthusiastic and accomplished alumnus of the University for Development Studies with a background of study in BSc development management. She temporarily serves as program support at the Emerging Public Leaders office while she awaits civil service appointment. She gained vast experience during supervised academic research while working with local government offices, such as the Nandom District and Sagnarigu District Assemblies. Outside of work, she uses her skills as a poet, writer and Toastmaster to advocate for mental health awareness

2. Observe and learn

Being a continuous learner is integral to your success in the public service.

“I earned the trust and confidence of my supervisors when I showed an interest in learning. This allowed me to take on more challenging roles involving planning and team development. My ability to learn quickly enabled me to create important assets that were used by our education system.” — Love Ntumy, Cohort 3 Emerging Public Leaders Fellow

Love Ntumy is a graduate of the University of Ghana with a Bachelor of Science in administration and a major in accounting. She worked with the National Schools Inspectorate Authority under the Ministry of Education where she served as an administrative assistant in 2020. In 2021, she joined the Emerging Public Leaders Ghana team to provide Accounts Support. Love was awarded the 2021/22 Emerging Public Leaders Ghana Founders Award, which is an annual award given to two fellows of EPL Ghana who have been ambassadors to the programme.

3. Be the change you want to see

Problem-solving is the essence of what public servants do. Playing a significant role in creating systems that make work easier can make you stand out.

“Identifying gaps is key. I have been instrumental in the development of systems at work; ones that visualize data into graphics leading to more efficiency at my unit.” — Fidelis Ankomah, Cohort 3 Emerging Public Leaders Fellow at the State Interests and Governance Authority

Fidelis Kwadwo Ankomah is a graduate of the University of Ghana with a Bachelor of Science in administration in accounting. Fidelis also holds a financial market analyst certification from the International Monetary Fund. He works with the State Interests and Governance Authority as a financial advisor and has formerly worked with Grant Thornton LLP, Australia and the Ghana Audit Service. He is currently pursuing a certification in chartered accountancy with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana.

4. Have an innovative approach

One of the benefits of being a young person in the public service is being able to bring innovative ideas to the table.

“I am motivated by questioning old ways of doing things. Being innovative has led to me facilitating the creation of a new committee to address repurposing infrastructure to increase revenue.” — Christian Yao Amegavi, Cohort 3 Emerging Public Leaders Fellow at the Ministry of Energy

Christian Yao Amegavi is an engineer, writer and an aspiring policymaker passionate about causing socioeconomic liberation in the Global South through industrialization. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). At KNUST, he was the general secretary of the National Union of Ghana Students.