In a thrilling football encounter marking the commencement of the highly anticipated 2024 Civil Service Week Celebration, the Men's Football Team of the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) clashed with their counterparts from the Ministry of National Security in a fiercely contested match.

The game, held at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday, 3^rd April, 2024 witnessed an intense battle on the field resulting in an impressive 2:2 draw at the end of regulation time. With both teams showcasing exceptional skill and determination, the match proceeded to a gripping penalty shootout to determine the victor.

In a display of nerves and precision, the Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development's football team emerged triumphant in the penalty shootout, securing a well-deserved victory and booking their spot in the next stage of the competition.

The Civil Service Week Celebration, organized annually by the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), serves as a platform to foster unity, camaraderie, and the exchange of services among civil servants, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Ghana. It is a testament to the dedication and commitment of these institutions in delivering essential services to the citizens of Ghana.

The opening match not only showcased the sporting prowess of the participating ministries but also exemplified the spirit of collaboration and friendly competition that embodies the Civil Service Week Celebration.

As the festivities continue throughout the week, participants and spectators alike eagerly anticipate more engaging activities and opportunities for mutual engagement and celebration within Ghana's civil service community.

Source: (Darling Maame Efua Cann)

MLGDRD PR UNIT

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development together with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection welcomed a delegation from the World Bank to embark on a monitoring of projects under the Ghana Productive Safety Net Program Phase II (GPSNP II) in beneficiary regions.

The visit was to also evaluate projects implementation based on four key interventions set under the program.  It also took stock and reflected on the achievement and improvement of the Programme.

These interventions included: Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP); Labour Intensive Public Works (LIPW); Productive Inclusion (PI); the Ghana School Feeding programme (GSFP), which is a new addition onto the GPSNP II.  These interventions aimed to help alleviate poverty in the Rural Community through the credit facilitated program in GPSNP II.

The World Bank delegation was satisfied with progress of the works during the tour as the program has impacted many lives in the beneficiary communities.

Positive Responses

Community beneficiaries from the Region visited showed that, the GPSNP II projects have impacted their lives and improved their livelihoods. They mentioned the progress the Program has brought to their communities.  

The District Chief Executives of the two Districts requested for an extension of the Program to benefit other communities.

The Regional Minister for the Bono Region, Justina Awo Owusu–Banahene, expressed her appreciation for the visit and pledged the Region’s continuous support to the submission of reports for the effectiveness of the projects under GPSNP II.

Challenges

The beneficiaries of the program mentioned some challenges faced in the implementation of the Program. They stated that even though the Program is one of the best things that has happened for them, it would help if funds were increased.

Women working under the Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) project requested for reduction in their task rate to enable reduce work load and also improvement on payment to avoid delays.

Focla Persons on the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) also requested for transportation for easy assessment of communities during disbursement of funds.

Interventions

E-Feeding platform to put all school feeding caterers on one platform for easy access and payment, is part of new interventions on the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP).

Regions Visited

The regions visited included Offinso North District and Tano South Municipal Assemblies, these Regions have benefitted from the GPSNP II Program.

Source:     RHODALINE ABBA

                 (MLGDRD, PUBLIC RELATIONS)

Mr. Dela Kemevor, Director in Charge of General Administration, has emphasized the critical role played by the Transport Department as the lifeline of the Ministry.

Speaking during an in-house training organized by the Alliance Francaise, Mr. Kemevor urged drivers within the Ministry to exercise caution and consciousness while driving, citing a need for enhanced training and skill development.

Highlighting the importance of continuous improvement, Mr. Kemevor assured the leadership of the Transport Department of ongoing learning sessions to equip drivers with necessary skills.

He emphasized the need for management to prioritize training sessions aimed at appreciating and enhancing the capabilities of drivers, essential for the effective functioning of the transport department and the Ministry as a whole.

Acknowledging the challenges faced, particularly concerning accident occurrences leading to significant repair costs and insurance implications, Mr. Kemevor expressed optimism that the training initiatives, focusing on executive driving and safety measures, would contribute to mitigating such issues. He called upon participants to actively engage in the training, offering constructive suggestions and recommendations to enhance their professionalism and efficiency in service delivery.

Mr. Joseph Amoah, Head of the Transport Department at MLGDRD, commended management for the training initiative, stressing its potential to improve service delivery and skill acquisition among drivers. The training sessions, focusing on aspects like driving within speed limits, anticipating unexpected situations, avoiding distractions, and route knowledge, are geared towards ensuring safer and more efficient transport operations within the Ministry.

Source:    Ernest Tweneboah Koduah
                 (MLGDRD, Public Relations Unit)