Regional News of Monday, 16 January 2006

Source: GNA

National Service Personnel object to imposition of items

Donkorkrom(E/R), Jan. 16, GNA - National Service Personnel posted to the Afram Plains District had objected to the alleged imposition of some items on them by the National Service Secretariat. The items are a rechargeable camping light, a solar light panel and a wireless set at a cost of two million cedis.

Mr Ernest Adum Nkansa, a Spokesman of the Personnel disclosed this at a meeting held between Ms Susana Mensah, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister and Heads of Departments at Donkorkrom as part of her two-day working visit to the Afram Plains.

Mr Nkansa, said the personnel were not consulted but were only informed by the District National Service Co-ordinator that the National Service Secretariat had directed that each personnel should be allocated with the items at a cost of two million cedis.

He explained that the National Secretariat was alleged to have subsidized cost of the items by one million cedis and the personnel were to pay the remaining one million cedis on instalments to be deducted at source.

Mr Nkansa said the personnel had objected to the manner the transaction was conducted without their knowledge and "therefore, did not like the package and sought the support of the District Chief Executive and the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister to help resolve the issue."

Ms Mensah appealed to officials in the public and civil service to ensure their actions were transparent under the current prevailing democratic dispensation in the country.

She advised the personnel to channel their grievances through the appropriate quarters for redress but not resort to any action that could breach the peace in the area and their work.

Ms Mensah urged the personnel to take advantage of the opportunities available within the district to enrich their experience.