New Local govt officers undergo orientation

Accra, Jan 9, GNA - Any district coordinator found to engage in partisan politics would be sacked, Mr Charles Bintin, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development warned on Monday. "A district coordinator must as much as possible stay neutral, not to be seen in party colours or openly campaigning for a political party", Mr Bintin told newly appointed assistant directors at an orientation programme in Accra.

The 17 participants, attending the weeklong orientation would be sent to newly created district assemblies.

According to Mr Bintin, the assembly system was non-partisan so the new officers must bury their political affiliations and treat everybody equally as they discharged their duties at the district levels. He charged the officers who would mainly serve as advisors to the district coordinators and district chief executives to do their best to enable the Local Government system to function effectively. The Minister said another 33 officers would be recruited this year after the sector Ministry had received clearance from the Finance and Economic Planning Ministry.

He said all other logistics needed to aid the district assemblies to perform well were being provided, stating that in addition to the 28 Toyota pickups given to the new assemblies last year, another 28 Nissan pickups would be added to enhance their capacity to operate more effectively and efficiently. The Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr Daniel Nyankamawu, told the participants that their schedule were very challenging so they should try to give off their best. He advised them not to make money their agenda since "their position has no money attached but social status". Mr Daniel S. Obeng, Managing Director of Integrated Solutions Limited, the Consultancy Firm organising the orientation said participants would be taking through topics like, " The Vision and Mission of The District Coordinating Council", "Revenue Mobilisation and Utilisation Strategy", "Civil Service Rules and Regulations" and "The Local Government Service".

Other topics are "Effective Communication Skills", "Role Of Civil Servants in Performance Monitoring", "District Assembly Common Fund Guidelines", "Human Resource Development", "Good Governance" and "Private Sector Development".