Public sector management, key to accelerated development - Aidoo

Sekondi, Dec. 30, GNA - People in public sector management have again been reminded that the successful implementation of government policies and programmes to promote development and good governance, largely depended on their performances.

Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister said they should acquaint themselves well with the highlights of the 2006 budget, particularly in areas dealing with education and sports, road transport, agriculture, youth and mass employment to enhance their performance. He was opening the first meeting of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Sekondi on Thursday, attended by Metropolitan and District Chief Executives, District Coordinating Directors and Presiding Members of the various District Assemblies.

"More importantly, we cannot forget our role in facilitating the growth and efficient performance of the private sector, as the engine of growth of the district, regional and national economies," he emphasised. The Regional Minister said the 2006 budget contains relieves for both employees and the private sector and has the needed guidelines for further economic growth.

On security situation in the region, Mr Aidoo noted that murder cases were on the increase, he did not elaborate but said a number of arrests were made and most of these cases were still under investigations.

He mentioned chieftaincy and land disputes "in virtually every part of the region" as issues posing serious concerns to the RCC and said the Regional Security Council had been working hard to contain the situation.

On health, Mr Aidoo said about 20 projects in that sector were at various stages of completion, while the Regional Task Team of the National Health Insurance Scheme had made tremendous improvement to get more people registered.

Presently there are 14 district-wide public insurance schemes in the region and one private scheme.