Accra, Dec. 24, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday challenged the Public Services Commission (PSC), to improve the performance of the Civil Service in the country.

He pledged government's support for the PSC to apply laid down sanctions against errant civil servants. President Mills was swearing-in four new members of the PSC at the Castle, Osu.

He administered the Oaths of Office, Secrecy and Allegiance and presented their Certificates of Office.

The new members were Professor Frank Obed Kwami, former Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Mrs. Comfort Mavis Asomaning, formerly of West African Examinations Council, Mr. George Owusu, a retired Director of the Civil Service and Mr. Robertson Akwei Allotey, an Administrator.

With the exception of Mr. Allotey, who would work full time, the three would be on part-time basis.

President Mills reminded them that they were appointed because of their proven integrity, experience and knowledge.

He urged them to bring their expertise to bear on the Civil Service, to address apathy, dishonesty and underperformance and bring about qualitative delivery.

Expressing Christmas wishes and congratulations to them he said "we are fully aware that you are the best people for the job at the moment". Mr. James Bebaako-Mensah, Secretary to President Mills, reminded the new members of the PSC that Government's "Better Ghana Agenda' and "Moving the Nation Forward in the Right Direction" depended on an efficient civic and public service.

He observed that standards were becoming low in the public service and asked civil servants to be loyal, efficient and dedicated to their appointments. Prof Samuel Wood, Chairman of PSC, asked government workers to improve on their performance adding "Start the new year with honest, clean, efficient and ethical service to ensure a better public service in Ghana". 24 Dec. 09