AWDA Empowers Staff; Durbar Addresses Challenges

AWDA EMPOWERS STAFF; DURBAR ADDRESSES CHALLENGES

The Management and the Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), of the Ada West District Assembly held a staff durbar to address staff concerns and discuss key issues to increase productivity and efficiency in the district.

The head of HRMD, Mr. Michael Elemawusi welcomed the staff and leadership of the Assembly to the much-anticipated durbar. He gave an overview of the categories of staff at the Assembly. There was a total of One hundred and thirty-six staff (136,) comprising of 0ne hundred and two (102) Government of Ghana (GoG) employees and thirty-four (34) Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and commission Staff.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. ModjifaTanihu J.J.F Nkrumah-Mills, who graced the durbar, was pleased to address the staff on such an august occasion. He exchange pleasantries and acknowledged old school mates and people he relates with in private life who are staff of the Assembly.

He admitted that his appointment to the high office as DCE has made him to further appreciate the staff and work-load on the District Assembly. He also commended staff who accepted postings to the District given the numerous socio-economic challenges in the district.

Hon. Mills Nkrumah lauded the professionalism of workforce of the Assembly and noted how instrumental they are in the implementation of government policies. “My position as DCE, can be occupied by anyone through political appointments. However, you are employed through your professional expertise”. Therefore, Job security should not entice them to become lackadaisical towards productivity. He added that they should maintain their professionality at all times and be circumspect in their dealings with the public.

The DCE added that their service delivery and utterances should be guided by anonymity, impartiality, teamwork and truthfulness. He disclosed that so far, the advices, guidance and directions received from management has been helpful. He said he was open to advice from the staff given that the adviser can be proud of his or her advice.

The staff were also cautioned against partisan politics. Citing himself as an example, the DCE encouraged the staff to draw distinction between work and politics. He encouraged the staff not to view him with the political lens but should approach him on any issue of concern.

The staff were entreated to respect the chain of command, rules and regulations governing the service. He advised every staff to accord their superiors the due respect. And that he would not condone any act of insubordination at the workplace. “I would ensure sanctions and rules regarding insubordination are applied appropriately to the latter” he added.

The staff were assured of the procurement of adequate logistics to propel efficiency at the workplace.

He said that it is mandated for every employee to seek permission to be absent from work. And the District Coordinating Director (DCD) demonstrated this quality as a leader, when he informed him of his absence from work due to other official engagements in Accra. “I was dumfounded that the whole DCD sought my permission to be absent from work”! This he encouraged all the staff to emulate.

Hon. Tanihu pointed out that he was aware of revenue leakages through fraudulent transactions of some of the staff. “Whatever is due the assembly must be paid into the assembly coffers. There won’t be mercy for anyone caught in financial malfeasance against the assembly” he declared.

The staff roared in cheers when the DCE proposed a 15% increment in IGF staff Emoluments. He asserted that emoluments for the IGF staff was unencouraging. He has decided to adjust it upwards to meet the economic situations in the district. He called on the staff to also help the Assembly to grow in terms of revenue generation and desist from encouraging residents to refuse rates payments.

He further spoke largely on staff welfare, health and accommodation facilities, for staff and departments usage.

He also touched how boundary encroachment by neighbouring districts which is depleting Revenue resources of the district. He called on chiefs and land owners to come on board to address this all-important challenge.

The District Coordinating Director (DCD) Mr. Kwadwo Bour Gyamfi thanked DCE for his support and taking cognizance of the welfare of the staff and the Assembly.

He also added a few advice including staff neutralities to political activities, client services’ professional engagement with the public and fair appraisal of subordinates on the part of the Heads of Departments (HOD)

He assured the DCE that the manual attendance system would soon be replaced with a digital clock in system where there won’t be room to manipulate the data. He also touched on the frustrations of staff on high cost of rent by landlords and procurement of logistics for the various departments as part of equitable distribution of available resources.

During the open discussion and sharing of experiences, staff talked about mutual respect for each other, logistics for field workers, capacity building to improve interpersonal communication, porous security during festivals, and patronage of the Sege market.

A staff disclosed activities of some “staff” also known as “goro boys” at the Assembly, especially among activities at Birth and Death department. These staff acting as “staff agents” exploits unsuspecting clients with claims of fast tracking any service rendered at the Assembly at a fee. Management took interest in this and promised to investigate and rectify the situation.

The final speaker, Dr. Maxwell Onassis Fiadjoe, District Director of the Health Directorate, advised staff to take time off work to rest. “Our health is our wealth. Do not compromise on health. A lot of our colleagues die suddenly sometimes because they are overly stressed”.

The gathering was told to manage stress in a relatively low-cost way. This can be achieved through regular check ups of blood sugar, cholesterol, hypertension, state of the mental health among others. He added that early detection of any ailment can prolong life.