CHIEF DIRECTOR CHARGES ASHMA STAFF TO SERVE WITH PURPOSE AND PERFORMANCE
The Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council [GARCC], Rev. Harry Kwatei Owoo, paid a working visit to the Ashaiman Municipal Assembly [ASHMA] as part of his familiarization tour in the region.
Addressing the large turnout of staff, Rev. Owoo noted that ASHMA recorded the second-largest gathering so far, since he began the tour. He stated that his mission was to “motivate, inspire, and serve God and country,” and urged staff to remain relevant, dedicated, and purposeful in their work. He commended the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Freeman Tsekpo, and the staff for their efforts toward transforming the Assembly complex. He assured them that Ashaiman would “become a star and shine” once the project is completed, and pledged his support to ensure its completion.
Outlining his leadership philosophy, Rev. Owoo said he is committed to “transformational, inspirational, and servant leadership” to help the Assembly achieve its objectives. The Chief Director also introduced the “Five Ps” for efficiency in public service: Purposeful, Punctuality, Productivity, Professionalism, and Performance.
Purposeful:
Staff must understand why they are in the organization, their relevance, capacity, and contribution to the Assembly’s success. Punctuality: Staff must report to work on time and avoid using official hours for personal activities.
Productivity:
Staff should be judged by results, not just hours spent at work. He cautioned against spending official hours on phones and other screens. Professionalism: Service delivery must meet high professional standards at all times.
Performance:
Rev. Owoo noted that results are the only true measure of productivity. He recalled that the Assembly last passed the National Performance Assessment in 2022, and urged the Assembly to pass the 2025 assessment to qualify for additional government funding for development projects. He called on all staff to support the MCE to achieve excellence and development.
The Hon. MCE, Mr. Freeman Tsekpo, disclosed that the Assembly has a staff strength of 288. This includes 164 Government of Ghana staff, 124 IGF staff, and support from 25 Assembly Members. He lamented the lack of government residential accommodation for staff, except for the MCE, and the congestion in office space. He said the Assembly is working to complete the office complex project started in 2020 to address the challenge. He also outlined ongoing efforts to facelift the Municipality through economic and structural development. He further assured the Chief Director that management has started processes to procure a clock-in machine to improve punctuality and efficiency.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Ms. Jemima Apedo, thanked the Chief Director for the visit. Staff raised key challenges, including long service under the IGF system without migration onto the Government of Ghana payroll. Internal Security staff, or watchmen, also cited working weekends and holidays without rest days or overtime payment, as well as promotion challenges.
Rev. Owoo took note of all concerns and assured staff that they would be addressed under the appropriate conditions. The Chief Director was accompanied by a section of staff from Regional Coordinating Council including Human Resource, Administration and MIS. ASHMA/ISD/MEDIA/25TH JUNE 2026
