790 LUSPA staff transferred to Local Govt Service
The Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) of the Civil Service, last Friday, handed over 790 staff to the Local Government Service at a ceremony in Accra.
This was to secure an effective administration and management of local resources to ensure that every district and regional coordinating council performed to the best of their abilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Civil Service, Nana Kwasi Agyekum-Dwamena, said 81 per cent of the number would be sent to the Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies (MMDAs) while the remaining would be sent to the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs).
He stated that the role of the local government staff was to provide the necessary interface between government and the local people by ensuring effective service delivery.
This, he said, could be achieved by promoting local socio-economic development thereby reducing poverty, increasing the choices of the people and promoting balanced and integrated development.
Nana Agyekum-Dwamena urged staff of the local government service to be focused, professional and accountable throughout their activities saying “deliver the necessary service to the satisfaction of the people.”
“I know the local service plays a significant role in the implementation of the policies of governing at the local level and this requires the right calibre of staff to work effectively,” he added.
Dr Nana Ato Arthur, Head of Local Government Service said the service drew its power and authority for the implementation of its mandates from the 1992 constitution, the Local Governance Act, 2016(Act 936) and other related Legislation.
He noted that the Physical Planning Department was to lead in the planning, management and implementation of harmonious, sustainable and cost effective human settlements and environmental horticulture in the district, in accordance with sound environmental and planning principles.
Dr Arthur indicated that the department was crucial in achieving the socio-economic agenda of the country.
“The government is currently rolling out several interventions towards economic development, job creation and sustainable social developments in all parts of the country towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he emphasised.
Dr Arthur assured the staff of his commitment to provide first class working conditions to motivate them to give off their best.
He added that, the service would continue to collaborate and rely on the support of key Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies (MMDAs) and stakeholders through Inter-Service collaboration to ensure effective administration and management of decentralised local systems in the country.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Lawrence Dakurah, said the handed over staff had the expertise to assist the assemblies and appealed for more collaboration between the Civil Service and Local Government Service.
BY: ABEDUWAA LUCY APPIAH AND FREDERICK GADESE-MENSAH P
