Sunyani, May 4, GNA - Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, said at the weekend that efforts being made by the Government to steer the country into a middle-income status might come to nought if Civil Servants did not shed their old unproductive habits. He expressed regret that Civil Servants were still steeped in absenteeism, lateness to workplaces, alcoholism and working lotto in offices, among other negative practices to the detriment of the country's development plans.
The Regional Minister was speaking at a send-off party organised by the Regional Headquarters of the Ghana National Fire Service in honour of Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Kwame Oppong-Frempong, who is on transfer to the National Headquarters in Accra.
In a speech read for him, Nana Seinti exhorted Civil Servants and for that matter all workers to eschew unproductive attitudes and acts and to gird up their loins to support the Government to steer Ghana into a prosperous nation.
"Our lukewarm attitude to work will not help anybody, since if the country prospered, all of us as citizens will enjoy the fruits of our labour, since it is Ghanaians who can build this nation, nobody can build it for us", he said.
Nana Seinti acknowledged the role of the out-going Deputy Chief Fire Officer in shaping the image of the Service in the Region and the formation and strengthening of fire volunteer squads that led to the success of the anti-bushfire campaign.
He expressed the hope that Civil Servants as well as staff of the Service would emulate DCFO Oppong-Frempong for his industry and help propel the country to achieve its set goals.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) John Kwaku Ackah in charge of the Regional Headquarters noted that the out-going officer "helped to raise discipline in the Service in the Region.
He restored the dignity and respect of the Service and apart from initiating more infrastructure work at the Regional Headquarters he also ensured cleanliness in the yard and its surroundings at all times. ACFO Ackah stated: "Oppong-Frempong left an indelible mark of discipline and commitment to the Service and will forever be remembered for his open-door administration.
"Through his untiring efforts, volunteers in the Region emerged the best in the country last year", he said.
DCFO Oppong-Frempong expressed appreciation for the honour and urged the staff of the Service to cooperate with fire volunteers "who have been very supportive in our operations". Prizes were presented to the outgoing officer.
