Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, has urged public servants to be agents of change, insisting their roles were critical in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
He said these professionals whose mandate it was to promote and to execute government policies and programmes for the realisation of the goals of growth, stability, job creation, enhancement of living standards among others – the ultimate desires of Ghanaians, needed to go the extra mile.
Togbe Afede made the call at the 12th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards/Councils, Chief Directors and Chief Executives of the Public Services of Ghana in Ho held on the theme, “Strengthening the Public Sector Leadership and Governance to Enhance Service Delivery.”
He said to be agents of change to support national development goals meant these professionals more than working hard, needed continuous learning, continuous education.
Togbe Afede said: “Apart from being hard working, it also requires civil servants who are creative, creative enough to be agents of change and not custodians of the task.
“We need agents of change to ensure that Ghana stays abreast of development in the global economy so we can hold our heads high where economic development is concerned.”
Togbe Afede, who chaired the function, said the meeting was happening at a very important time, a time of great change in the country, “inspired by demand from our citizens for better management of the economy to bring about growth, stability, job creation, enhanced standards of living and of course, the provision of the basic facilities of life” and these professionals could not afford to disappoint the citizenry.
He said this demand had further inspired commendable initiatives and policies by the government including the Big Push and the 24-Hour Economy, noting, that, “success in all of these programmes requires strong, hardworking and efficient public servants.”
Togbe Afede stressed the importance of teamwork, transparency, and the need to hold on to the path of strictest honesty to fight corruption which he deemed “the biggest challenge to our development.”
President John Dramani Mahama, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, highlighted the importance of effective governance, gender inclusion and the adoption of technology in public services.
Prof Victor Kwame Agyeman, Chairman, Public Services Commission pledged the Commission’s unwavering support to the government’s reset agenda to improve the country’s economy and governance.
“The public services are a microcosm of the whole country. If the public service is delivered, then the whole country will deliver. So, if we have to reset, Your Excellency, the reset starts with those of us who are here. Once we are reset, I’m sure the whole country will get a reset.”
The conference, which among others featured high level presentations from distinguished speakers and breakout sessions, honoured some people who have served the Commission with distinction including President Mahama.
From Ewoenam Kpodo, Ho
GNA
