"Don't allow political inclinations to affect official duties" -Minister

Sunyani (B/A), Feb. 25, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, on Wednesday appealed to heads of department in the region not to allow their political inclination to overshadow the implementation of government policies. He said such an attitude could jeopardize the development agenda for the region. He underscored the need for them to remain committed and fully support the execution of policy initiatives of the National Democratic Congress government to help meet the expectations and aspirations of the people.

"I will not witch hunt anybody but you shouldn't let us find cause to believe that you belong to party A or B when it comes to fulfilling your duties and responsibilities as civil servants and public servants. We must all work assiduously towards a common goal", he stated. The Regional Minister said this at a maiden meeting with the heads at the regional co-ordinating conference hall in Sunyani. Mr Marfo appealed to the heads to carefully monitor the activities of their subordinates at the work place and called for the rejuvenation of their supervisory roles to help achieve organizational objectives. He also urged them to endeavour to seek the welfare of their workers and suggested the setting up of a welfare fund in their various establishments and organisations as well as periodic staff durbars to discuss problems affecting their subordinates. The Regional Minister called on them to ensure the safety and proper handling of state and office equipment by switching of all electrical gadgets to check soaring electricity bills and loss of resources, while keeping an eye on proper invoicing. "You must also ensure proper sanitation at your work places", Mr Marfo added, and suggested the institution of a quarterly clean-up exercises to promote sound, healthy, clean and decent environment at the workplaces", he stressed.

He called on the heads to maintain a cordial relationship with their subordinates and keep a policy of transparency among the rank and file by opening up to them so as to erase all suspicion and allay the fears among staff members. The Regional Minister said he would pay unannounced visits to departments "as a way of keeping them on their toes" and pledged to pursue an open-door and transparent administration and also welcomed constructive criticism.

He deplored the general performance of basic schools in the region and called for total support and team work to solve the numerous problems facing the region, including the provision of potable water, sanitation, electricity and access roads. Mr Asante Krobea, Regional Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, on behalf of the heads of departments, pledged their unflinching support and co-operation to the Regional Minister to help advance the development of the region. Some of the heads in an open forum, raised concerns about issues pertaining to their work, including the re-institution of monthly and quarterly meeting of the various departments, credit unions, ill treatment of drivers by some Heads of Departments, accommodation for workers, illegal water connection, the breaking and pilfering of equipment. 25 Feb. 09