General News of Monday, 23 January 2012

Source: Emmanuel Tornyi and Christian Kpesese

Anger In Prison Service Baseless - PRO

The Chief Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prison Service, ASP Courage Atsem has described as baseless the so-called agitations and anger of some officers within the service over promotion in ranks.

In an exclusive interview with the PRO, promotions in the service are based on two things. The first was the number of years served on a rank and secondly the qualification of the officer. He said these two requirements are both dependent on vacancies available according to staff establishment based on a specific rank, which is needed.

He pointed out that seniority is given priority in promoting officers. However, where there is the need for specialty, qualification plus seniority is given preference over only seniority or number of years spent on a rank. He also debunked allegations that some officers were sneaked into a UN peacekeeping mission. He explained that the UN peacekeeping department in New York, USA has its criteria for selecting peacekeepers and it is only those who met the requirement through a selection interview who are considered after tendering in application.

He cautioned officers who are not satisfied with promotions and other issues within the service to petition the Director-General for redress rather than seeking refuge through the media.

By: Emmanuel Tornyi and Christian Kpesese

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