The Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) has criticised the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, over his remarks regarding television sets in government offices.
Dr. Thompson in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, March 6, 2025, had described the presence of TVs in government offices as the “ultimate symbol” of the country’s lack of seriousness toward productivity and national development, advocating for their removal.
“The presence of television sets in government offices is the ultimate symbol of a country that is not serious. I have been to places where I walked through reception and straight to the minister’s office, and no one asked me a question, and it was because they were all watching television,” he stated.
However, the PSWU has rejected his assertion, arguing that it is an inappropriate conclusion.
The union clarified that television sets are not a common feature in most public service offices.
Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU, John Sampa added that where the TVs do exist, they are typically placed in reception areas to enhance customer service, ensuring visitors conducting business are comfortable while they wait.
Additionally, in some departments—such as public relations offices—televisions are used for news monitoring.
The Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU, John Sampa, in an interview with Citi News, expressed concern over the repeated criticism of the public service.
He noted that there is a persistent effort to portray public servants as unserious, which he believes is an unfair narrative.
The union also pointed out that even private institutions have television sets in their offices without it affecting productivity, dismissing the claim that their presence hinders work efficiency.
John Sampa further stated that, if any productivity issues arise due to TV usage, management would promptly address them.
However, he emphasized that no such concerns have been observed so far.