New Charter For Public Services

Five Public Services Institutions yesterday, signed a new Charter to ensure excellent delivery of services in the sector agencies.

These were the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Customs, Excise & Preventive Services (CEPS), Internal Revenue Services (IRS), Registrar-General's Department (RGD) and the Controller & Accountant General's Department (CAGD).

The New Charter is an effort aimed at sustaining and improving excellence service delivery of public sector agencies based on the core values of quality service, productivity, innovation, transparency, discipline, accountability and professionalism.

It is expected to inform the public about the quality of standard and the transparency to expect from the organization and underscore commitment from the organization, and also intended to move the customer from the periphery of organizations' concern to the centre.

 Speaking at the launch, the Minister for National Security Mr. Frances Poku intimated that, proceeding of the Charter would be effectively monitored by a team from the Office of the President.

He disclosed that, 'Charter Marks' would be conferred on Institutions who achieve their set targets while those who fail to achieve would be sanctioned, and was hopeful that the Charter would work to expectation.

In a statement, a representative of the Registrar General's Department pointed out that in the area of Valuations, results of ratifications would be concluded and presented to petitioners within 30 days.

He assured that, the department would refund to clients within 30 working days a valid claim for refund due to clients adding 'the controversial drawbacks due to clients especially manufactures would be processed within 5 working days.'

The Commissioner, CEPS, Mr. Emmanuel Doku  promised that  vehicles and personal effects would be cleared at the ports within  24 hours and 5 hours respectively.

 The Controller and Accountant General Mr. Christian Sottie in his statement revealed that with effect from 1st January 2008, all employees on government's payroll would be issued with Biometric Cards to ensure the effective and efficient payment of salaries.

He was optimistic that the Department would deliverer satisfactory services to its customers and clients in a timely manner.