Veep calls on public sector workers to step up productivity in 2007

Accra, Dec. 6, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Tuesday said the Government's commitment to produce more resources to improve the conditions of service of public sector employees should be reciprocated by increased productivity.

He also expressed the need for Ghana to have a breed of quality teachers, who would produce a worthy human resource base for commerce and industry.

Alhaji Mahama was speaking at the 7th Sponsors and Donors Award Night in Accra in honour of personalities and corporate organisations that have been contributing towards the National Best Teacher Awards Scheme.

He said the determination of the public and private sectors to collaborate to build the human capacity of the country could only be realised if all stakeholders in the economy conscientiously worked towards it.

"In all endeavours of national life, there is the need for a sustained partnership between the private and public sector for the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes in order to move the nation forward," he said.

Alhaji Mahama said after 12 years of the Scheme, Government expected an expanded public support to make it possible for a one-shot annual national awards ceremony for teachers.

He requested the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to consider the possibility of holding simultaneous celebrations of the International Teachers Day and National Best Teacher Award ceremony at the district and regional levels.

Alhaji Mahama congratulated the sponsors and donors, who won the awards for their unflinching support for the Scheme and urged them to continue with their kind gestures.

"I also want to use this platform to appeal to you sponsors and donors to come up with incentive packages for specific categories of award winners.

Papa Owusu Ankomah, Minister of Science, Education and Sports, said motivating teachers for increased productivity was a daunting task. He observed: "To say that the reward of the teacher is in heaven does not mean that they cannot receive their reward on earth, but it is because there is no way one can really rewarded them for their services."

Sheikh Ibrahim Cudjoe Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, who chaired the function, said the Scheme was without malice, prejudice or ethnic undertones, adding: "The reward of teachers is on earth and not in heaven."

Ghana News Agency received a Certificate of Appreciation for its immense contribution towards the success of the 2006 Best Teacher Award Competition. 6 Dec. 06