Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, has urged civil servants to improve public service delivery through enhanced discipline, diligence, and regular attendance. This directive specifically targets staff within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The Minister made this call during a working visit to the Sissala East Municipal Assembly in Tumu.
During his visit, Mr. Puozuing met with heads of departments and staff to assess ongoing government programmes and monitor development interventions. He stressed that a commitment to work, including consistent attendance, is essential for the effective delivery of government services to benefit the public. Absenteeism among public officers, he noted, deprives citizens of crucial government services, often after they have travelled long distances.
This emphasis on public sector efficiency aligns with broader government efforts to streamline operations and ensure value for money in public expenditure. Improving service delivery directly impacts citizen satisfaction and the overall economic productivity of regions. The government has consistently highlighted the need for a more responsive and accountable public service to support national development goals and attract investment.
Mr. Puozuing urged department heads to restore discipline in their offices by ensuring regular staff attendance to improve service quality. He reminded public servants that their role is to serve the people, not themselves, and that their positive impact on citizens' lives will be their lasting legacy. This statement underscores the importance of public trust and accountability in governance.
The Minister also called on department heads to provide honest and professional advice to political leaders. He encouraged close collaboration with the Municipal Chief Executive to promote transparency, accountability, and the effective implementation of development programmes. This collaborative approach is vital for ensuring that local government initiatives are well-executed and responsive to community needs.
Furthermore, Mr. Puozuing encouraged the Sissala East Municipal Assembly to transform its challenges into targets for the coming years. He advocated for overcoming these challenges through discipline, accountability, and innovation, which he described as critical for achieving the government’s development objectives. This forward-looking perspective aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the public sector.
He directed department heads to channel their key operational challenges through the Municipal Chief Executive to the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) for necessary support and intervention. This structured communication aims to ensure that local issues receive appropriate attention and resources from regional authorities. The meeting also provided a platform for departmental heads to discuss challenges affecting service delivery and reinforce collaboration between the RCC and the Sissala East Municipal Assembly.
Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, accompanied the Regional Minister, along with other RCC department heads. They engaged the Assembly’s management on key development priorities. Mr. Adamu Bening Yakubu, the Sissala East Municipal Chief Executive, outlined major projects being implemented in collaboration with the Member of Parliament, focusing on education, healthcare, road infrastructure, water supply, and sanitation. The Assembly also presented its priority projects, captured in its Annual Action Plan, highlighting strategic interventions aimed at accelerating socio-economic development in the municipality. These initiatives are crucial for improving living standards and economic opportunities in the region.