Local Government Service Head, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, has issued a stern reminder to local government staff, urging them to maintain professionalism and steer clear of engaging in any political activities.
Stressing the importance of political neutrality within the service, he cautioned that violations of this rule would result in sanctions for the staff involved. During a media engagement organized to strengthen the relationship between the Local Government Service and the media, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur emphasized the need for staff to uphold impartiality in their duties.
He made it clear that employees in the Local Government Service should refrain from openly displaying partisan affiliations, and any staff caught violating these guidelines would face consequences.
Dr. Nana Ato Arthur highlighted the requirement for civil servants to remain non-partisan while holding office, emphasizing that those aspiring to contest in political elections should resign from their positions before doing so. He urged the staff to maintain professionalism, especially during election periods, and advised them to cast their votes and return to work, ensuring that their political preferences do not compromise the impartiality of their roles in the Local Government Service.
“Local government service staff, civil servants, in office, cannot be seen overtly or openly partisan. If I, standing before you, want to contest as a Member of Parliament for any party, I need to resign from this office before I can contest. Overtly, we are not to be seen as partisan. But anybody caught in that web faces sanctions.
Ghanaian voter
“So I don’t think anybody will want to contest unless the person wants to fire himself or herself. We are asking our staff to remain as professionals as ever. When the time comes, December 7th arrives, and you want to vote, just cast your vote and go away. If it is not a holiday, come back to your office.”
Dr. Nana Ato Arthur
The Paramount Importance Of Professionalism Among Local Government Service Staff
In light of the approaching election year, the Head of the Local Government Service, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, has underscored the paramount importance of professionalism among local government service staff. Addressing the media during a dedicated engagement session, Dr. Arthur emphasized the need for staff to maintain political neutrality and avoid engaging in partisan activities.
Dr. Nana Ato Arthur highlighted the critical role that the Local Government Service plays in ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level. As the custodians of local administration, staff members must remain unbiased and professional in their duties, especially during election periods. The Head of the Local Government Service stressed that political neutrality is a fundamental requirement for civil servants within the service.
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To maintain the integrity of the service, employees are discouraged from openly displaying affiliations with any political party. Dr. Arthur outlined a clear directive for those contemplating political aspirations – if a staff member wishes to contest as a Member of Parliament for any party, they must resign from their office before doing so.
The call for professionalism and non-partisanship is particularly crucial as the country gears up for the upcoming elections. The overt involvement in political activities jeopardizes the neutrality and impartiality expected from public servants. Any breach of this requirement would lead to sanctions for the staff involved.
As the nation enters an election year, the Local Government Service faces the challenge of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality. Upholding these principles will not only preserve the integrity of the Local Government Service but also contribute to the smooth functioning of local administration, fostering trust and confidence among the public.
