The Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, has issued a resounding call for a renewed focus on staff welfare, teamwork, and discipline across the public sector, emphasizing the critical importance of cultivating a supportive and productive work environment. His statement underscores the need for proactive measures to address workplace pressures and foster collaboration amongst public servants, a sentiment echoed during a recent celebration of Civil Service Week, marked by activities designed to promote employee wellbeing and engagement.
Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh highlighted the potential of activities designed to alleviate stress and enhance interpersonal relationships – these initiatives, including opportunities for relaxation, interaction, and teamwork – as vital components of a strategy aimed at bolstering the Service’s overall performance. He stated, ‘From time to time we need to organise things like these. People are under pressure. Today I saw people dancing, networking, and working as a team. That spirit is what we need to drive the Service forward,’ emphasizing the importance of a positive and energized workforce. He urged staff to apply the same spirit of discipline, teamwork, and effective time management to their daily responsibilities, advocating for a shift in focus from solely maximizing output to prioritizing employee wellbeing.
Furthermore, Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh stressed the significance of healthy living, noting that hygiene and food quality were key considerations in the cooking competition. He explained that ‘You are as good as what you eat,’ and added that ‘If the food environment is not hygienic, you are literally taking poison. We must be conscious about what we consume both at work and at home,’ stressing the need for a holistic approach to employee health. He also underscored the importance of time management, noting that ‘Management of time is also an indicator of how developed a country is. Let’s manage our time very well.’
The celebration, orchestrated by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, incorporates a diverse range of activities designed to support the government’s ‘reset agenda’ – a strategic initiative focused on sustainable development and the Civil Service’s role in Ghana’s future – and building a public service that is more productive, resilient, and enterprising. The event includes a policy fair and exhibition, a cooking competition, health screening, clean-up exercises, sporting activities, and an awards ceremony. The initiative is part of a broader effort to provide support to vulnerable residents in Jirapa, with the focus on strengthening the government’s response to the LEAP expansion, which brings relief to 4,372 more vulnerable residents in Jirapa. The LEAP expansion, involving a bribery scandal investigation, has prompted demands for a thorough public inquiry and tracing of beneficiaries. This underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the delivery of public services.”
Dr. Aggrey-Darkoh affirmed that the activities represent a crucial step towards creating a public service that is more aligned with the government’s goals, emphasizing the need for collaboration and a shared commitment to achieving the targets set for the sector. He concluded by reiterating the importance of sustained effort and a collective dedication to excellence, stating, ‘It should not be said that when we were in charge, we did not deliver. We need everyone on board to achieve the targets we have set for ourselves,’ highlighting the need for a renewed commitment to prioritizing employee welfare and fostering a thriving public service environment.
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Source: Adom Online
