Accra, March 27,GNA- Papaye Fast Foods Limited, a company dealing in fast food in Accra, on Saturday honoured 42 of its staff in appreciation of their contribution to the growth of the company.

Ten of the workers, who had worked with the company for 10 years, were each given a 20-inch colour television, one million cedis cash prize plus a certificate of recognition.

Thirty-two others, who have served for five years, were each given a cash prize of 500,000 cedis and a certificate.

The best worker award for the year 2003 went to Ms Joyce Swatson. She received a prize of 500,000 cedis cash and a certificate. Mr Divine Asiedu, the Managing Director, praised the workers for their hard work and dedication.

He said the human resource of a company is its greatest natural asset, therefore it must be encouraged and motivated to maximise productivity to achieve other economic and development objectives.

Mr Asiedu urged the workers to safeguard their integrity, hard work and reputation to the company, and continue to be honest as they go about their duties.

"Your reputation for integrity and honest dealings are the critical factors that others use to judge when they evaluate you for higher pay or for a position in greater responsibility.

"Consequently, we expect you to be truthful, dependable and loyal to your employers. These are the elements of character which help guard your integrity," Mr Asiedu said.

He congratulated the award winners on their hard work, and wished others better luck in the ensuing years, while they worked hard to ensure their continuous stay with the company.

Mr Emmanuel Benimah, Principal Industrial Relations Officer of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) of the TUC, said workers are partners in the business process, and therefore lauded management for recognizing their efforts and contributions to the growth of the company. He advised the workers to eschew laziness, and minimize complaints for good relations and harmony with the management.

One of the award winners, Ms Rebecca Brown, on behalf of her colleagues expressed their appreciation to Management for the honour done them, and promised that workers would continue to give of their best.