By: Gloria Anderson and Eric Crentsil
Chief Executive Officer of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Dr. Smith Graham, has underscored the urgent need for governments across Africa to treat public trust as a critical national asset, stressing that no policy can succeed without the people it is meant to serve.
Speaking at the 3rd African Association of Accountants General Conference in Accra, on the theme “Africa of Tomorrow: Positioning PFM for Economic Prosperity,” Dr. Graham delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Trust as Capital: Building Sustained Public Confidence in Government.” He argued that trust is not merely a desirable virtue but the currency that fuels effective public financial management and drives national progress.
According to him, many policy failures on the continent stem from inadequate stakeholder engagement. He explained that when policies are designed and launched without public involvement, governments create resistance rather than cooperation. “Once you push policies at people without involving them, you create a fight. That is why we frequently struggle with implementation,” he noted, emphasising that active citizen participation must be built into both policy formulation and execution.
Dr. Graham further lamented a culture of self-doubt among Africans, asserting that the continent must begin to see itself as capable of leading global innovation. He highlighted the critical role individuals play in advancing institutional goals, pointing out that organisational success depends on personal responsibility, integrity, and creativity at all levels. “When we decide to do the right thing, tell the truth, and communicate openly, we strengthen the entire system,” he said.
He urged public servants not to be intimidated by political pressure, insisting that professionals must stand their ground when decisions are in the best interest of the state. When public officials demonstrate integrity and competence, he explained, political actors are more likely to support their initiatives and allocate the needed resources.
Touching on digitisation, Dr. Graham clarified that it cannot function as a standalone solution. Instead, it must be backed by the right values, a culture of accountability, and a commitment to transparent public service delivery.
He concluded by reminding participants that trust is earned, built slowly through consistent engagement, honesty, and innovation and remains the strongest capital any government can possess in driving sustainable national development.
