Regional News of Thursday, 6 November 2003

Source: GNA

Government's records vital for good governance

Koforidua, Nov. 6, GNA- A Principal Records Officer of the Public Records and Archival Administration (PRAD), Mr Dua Abrokwa, has reminded public servants that proper records keeping of official documents was fundamental for good governance and accountability.

He stated that records keeping ensures compliance with procedures and regulations, checks against corruption and promotes rule of law and human rights.

Mr Abrokwa who was addressing the staff of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs and traditional councils at a one-day's training course at Koforidua on Thursday, warned that any improper record keeping on their part could trigger chieftaincy disputes which could affect national development.

Speaking on the need for proper records keeping, he reminded them that records helped to preserve the memory of not only their institutions but the history of the nation.

The Director of the Chieftaincy Secretariat, Mr Edward Obeng Marfo, reminded the staff that as public servants, they should guard against any tendencies, which sought to portray them as owing allegiance to the paramount seats where they are posted to instead of the Secretariat.

He told them that their mission was to offer support services for the development of the chieftaincy institution and serve as links between the institution and government and other agencies to promote the institution.

Mr Marfo urged the staff to improve their academic standards and be abreast with current national issues in order to properly interpret them to members of their traditional councils to ensure the successful implementation of government programmes.

An Assistant Registrar of the National House of Chiefs, Mr D.S.T. Sorgbodzor who took them through judicial functions, stressed the need for registrars to abide by the official procedures in the registration and processing of cases to avoid being bias against any litigant.