Anaji(WR), July 16, GNA- Some residents within the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis (STM) have urged public servants to be swift in responding to service enquiries and deliverables.
They argued that certain behavioural patterns exhibited by such public officers, delayed in responding to service enquiries and the realisation of the actual aim and objectives for wanting such deliveries had often been executed without efficiency and effectiveness.
One of such participants at an “Economy Rights” forum organised by the Duapa Werkspace, a business incubation centre for Reach for Change and Social Enterprise Ghana bemoaned the late billing of businesses by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The forum brought together public officials from the Social Welfare Department and the Regional office of the Department of Gender to answer feedback questions on residents’ experiences and interactions with public officials.
Mr Daniel Kwame Hasford, owner of the Kenas GoodHome Enterprise was not happy that GRA always submitted first quarter bills late.
He also bemoaned the lack of an electronic communication system to access information for planning and budgeting purposes.
Other experiences shared included how a social worker wanted bribe before a service could be rendered, sexual inducement before a service could be performed, non- maintenance of children, spousal issues and rent related matters.
Responding to such concerns, Ms Maribel Okine, the Western Regional Director of Gender said there were avenues for people to seek redress or responses to their concerns.
She introduced the forum to Legal Aid, CHRAJ, Family Tribunal adding, “If you visit one and you are not happy with the services go to the other or come to our office for direction “.
Ms Okine also encouraged them to be abreast with their constitutional rights and how best to access them in conformity with the laws.
She highlighted the benefits the PNDC law 111 offered, the opportunities under the children’s act and other legal protection for people and the need for them to be aware of it.
Mr Erasmus Ackon, the Chief Executive Officer of Duapa Werkspace said most people over the period have lacked information about their rights and thus resorted to wrong approaches in accessing it.
The economic right advocacy was therefore to empower such people.
Mr Ackon said the project first trained some selected participants on economy rights, engaged some duty bearers to highlight their areas of work which was followed by a field assessment to ascertain how services were delivered by such institutions.
“We are here today to share finding on the field with these duty bearers for improved relationship with the public to advance the development aspirations of the country”, Mr Ackon added.