Accountability is a cornerstone of a good civil servant because it ensures that they are responsible for their actions and decisions and that they are held to high standards of ethical conduct and performance. Civil servants work in the public sector and are entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities that have a significant impact on the lives of the public they serve. Accountability helps to ensure that civil servants are transparent, efficient, and effective in carrying out their duties.

Here are some reasons why accountability is a crucial element of good civil service:

• Transparency: Accountability promotes transparency, which is crucial for building trust between civil servants and the public. When civil servants are accountable, they are more likely to be transparent about their actions and decisions and to provide clear and accurate information to the public.
• Ethical Conduct: Accountability helps to promote ethical conduct among civil servants. When civil servants know that they are accountable for their actions, they are more likely to act in a manner that is consistent with ethical principles and standards.
• Effective Performance: Accountability ensures that civil servants are focused on achieving results and delivering high-quality services to the public. When civil servants know that they are accountable for their performance, they are more likely to work diligently to achieve their objectives and meet the needs of the public.
• Professionalism: Accountability is an essential element of professional conduct. Civil servants are expected to act professionally in all aspects of their work, and accountability helps to ensure that they are held to high standards of professionalism.
• Trust: Accountability helps to build trust between civil servants and the public. When civil servants are accountable, they are more likely to be trusted by the public, which can lead to greater collaboration and cooperation between civil servants and the public they serve.