The Western Region Chapter of the Ghana Association of Local Government Administrators (GALGA) has hosted the 5th National Congress with the theme, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Effective and Ethical Public Administration”. The annual event allows all administrative officers in the 16 regions of Ghana to meet and deliberate through workshops and symposia to enhance their knowledge in their field for improved productivity. Addressing the participants, the Chief Director of the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council, Mr. Fredrick Agyeman, who delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Regional Minister, indicated that quality manpower is needed to ensure development in all aspects of governance and, therefore, hinted at the need to exhibit professionalism in public service delivery.

He reiterated the need to uphold standards as public administration is the machinery on which government policies and programs run. “You set the agenda through your draft speeches; you facilitate general administrative activities in your respective MMDAs and RCCs. With all sincerity, I refer to the administrative officers as the Creative Class of the Local Government Service,” he added. He pointed out that since the Local Government Service is crafted based on laws, regulations and administrative instructions, it is imperative to understand such laws for effective work delivery. He added that continuous learning is essential for administrative officers to be sharper, smarter and more responsive.

Hon. Okyere Darko appealed to the Office of Head of Local Service (OHLGS) to offer training and career development opportunities to adequately prepare staff for the evolving global workplace environment to embrace technology in our day-to-day work. He again called on participants to build strong relationships with colleagues and relevant stakeholders and develop a culture that embraces creativity and serves the nation and local clients well. The National President of GALGA, Mr. Edmund Osei Gyamfi, on his part, pointed out that the Administrative Class is blessed with talents and gifts, adding that the art and act of administering require a skill set. He noted that at the Sub-national level, the Administrator is key to the implementation of the policies of government which he explained as imperative for continuous capacity building to enhance service delivery. He applauded regions that have organised training for their officers and encouraged the other areas to follow the example to enhance work delivery.

Mr. Gyamfi further mentioned that the conference would equip officers with knowledge of Artificial Intelligence and receive correspondence on the Local Governance Act 2016, Act 936, the UTZC Regulation, L.I. 1967 of 2010 and the Model Standing Orders for the MMDAs, adding that when the Administrative Officers are well equipped to function, Local Governance will thrive. He passionately appealed to the OHLGS to organize orientation for all newly recruited Administrative Officers to ensure they deliver according to the standards set for the Class. He again implored the OHLGS to consider the Association’s request for an administrative manual to serve as a guide for nurturing colleagues in the Class.

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