The Head of the Civil Service, Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, has called for greater attention to staff wellbeing, teamwork, and discipline as part of efforts to improve performance across the public sector. This call was made at the end of a cooking competition and health fair organised for staff of various ministries as part of activities marking Civil Service Week.
Staff Welfare Crucial in Public Sector Reform
The annual service-wide programme is coordinated by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service and involves ministries and departments across the country. This year's celebration is on the theme: "The Resetting Agenda for Sustainable Development in Ghana: The Civil Service's Responsibilities." Dr Aggrey-Darkoh believes that activities that promote healthy living, interaction, and teamwork can help reduce workplace pressure and strengthen cooperation among public servants.
Dr Aggrey-Darkoh said that the activities provided an opportunity for staff to relax, interact, and work together outside their usual office environment. He noted that people are under pressure and that events like these can help to foster a spirit of discipline, teamwork, and effective time management.
Healthy Living and Hygiene a Priority
The Head of the Civil Service also stressed the importance of healthy living, noting that hygiene and food quality were key considerations in the cooking competition. He warned that if the food environment is not hygienic, people are literally taking poison. Dr Aggrey-Darkoh emphasized the need for staff to be conscious about what they consume both at work and at home.
The cooking competition, which was part of the week-long celebration, saw Team Two, comprising the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, emerge winners with Tuo Zaafi and Ayoyo soup. Team One, made up of the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, placed second with the same dish. Team 10, representing the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Social Welfare, placed third with mashed plantain, locally known as 3to .
Building a More Productive Public Service
Dr Aggrey-Darkoh said that the activities formed part of efforts to support the government's reset agenda and build a public service that is more productive, resilient, and enterprising. He urged staff to apply the same spirit of discipline, teamwork, and effective time management to their daily responsibilities. The Head of the Civil Service also emphasized the importance of managing time well, noting that it is an indicator of how developed a country is.
The week-long celebration included a policy fair and exhibition, health screening, clean-up exercise, sporting activities, and an awards ceremony. These activities are aimed at promoting staff welfare and improving performance across the public sector. With Dr Aggrey-Darkoh's call for greater attention to staff wellbeing, teamwork, and discipline, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield the desired results.
Source: Joy Online
