By Sharon Zoe Williams
As public institutions rapidly embrace artificial intelligence and digital governance, governments must ensure that technology serves as an enabler rather than a master, while aggressively rooting out workplace laxity and professional nonchalance.
This caution was a central message delivered by Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at the Office of the President, during her keynote address at the 10th HR Café (Ghana–Burkina Faso International Edition) in Accra, on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Harnessing AI While Guarding Against Disruption
Addressing a gathering of senior government officials, international delegates, and human resource practitioners, Hon. Oye Bampoe Addo acknowledged the immense potential of technology to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. However, she issued a stern reminder regarding the associated risks:
Employment Shifts: Guarding against potential job displacement and data insecurity.
Human Oversight: Ensuring that reliance on automation does not erode human judgment or ethical standards.
She highlighted proactive steps taken by Ghana, including a three-day Ministerial AI Bootcamp organised in collaboration with UNDP to train cabinet ministers and public sector leaders in ethical and inclusive AI adoption.
Confronting “Ghanaman Time” and Workplace Culture
Moving beyond structural and digital reforms, the Deputy Chief of Staff addressed the human element of public administration head-on. She pointed out that the greatest threat facing the public sector remains a lack of discipline, professional misconduct, and sheer nonchalance.
”I suspect Burkina Faso has its own version, where some workers see citizens as a burden rather than a duty, or grow complacent because pay comes at month end regardless of performance. We call it ‘Ghanaman Time’. (Pause and ask the crowd) My Burkina brothers and sisters, do you also have your version, maybe ‘Burkinaman Time’?”
A Roadmap for the Future of Work
Concluding her address, Hon. Oye Bampoe Addo challenged participants to use the multi-day forum to chart a practical roadmap hinged on real-time data, daily Key Performance Indicator (KPI) tracking, and structured accountability. She expressed deep appreciation to the organising committees, the President of Burkina Faso, and the entire diplomatic delegation for choosing Ghana to host the historic maiden international edition of the HR Café.
