Accra, Oct. 21, GNA - The Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Tuesday rewarded 20 staff of the Information Services Department for their outstanding performance and contribution towards the growth of the ministry. The awards, which were in two categories, Outstanding Performance and Outstanding Feature Articles Published in the Newspapers, were also to encourage staff to give of the best in the ensuing years. The sector Minister, Mr. Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, said the award was his own initiative to motivate the staff and demonstrate his confidence in them. He said any good manager must appreciate the contribution of the staff to success of the organisation and the need to reward excellence to attain higher productivity.

"As a Minister I cannot be everywhere to do (the entire) job. I therefore believe in team work and outstanding performance to make Ghana better," the Minister added. Mr. Asamoah-Boateng said: "People may not like you, but they will respect you for dedication to service to mankind." He expressed the hope that the awards would be sustained and urged all professionals to "brighten the corner where they are". Mr. James Dorgbetor of the Bawku Municipal Assembly emerged the best outstanding performer. He took home a cash of 50 cedis, citation and a certificate.

Others in the category included Emmanuel Agyei (Tain), Larry Botway (Gomoa), Peter Atogewe Wadam (Gambaga), Bagbara Tanko (Upper West), Yvonne Harley (Ketu) and Evelyn Harvey (Suhum). The rest are Jotie Sule (Bolgatanga), Josephine Anamoah Hayford (Tamale), Bright Cosmos Tay (Savelugu), Vida Dzaka (Bunkpurigu-Yunyoo) and Eric Baisie (Tamale).

Awardees in the feature category are Godfred Yormesor (Accra), Cosmos Tay (Savelugu), Zakari Musah (Accra), Kofi Dei (Accra) and Mawutodzi Abissath (Accra). Others are Oblitey Commey (Somanya), G. D. Zaney (Accra), Charlotte Hanson (Accra) and Gloria Gbate (Accra). Mr Dorgbetor said he was happy that his dedication to work had been duly appreciated.

Asked what spurred him on to continue to work at Bawku despite the conflict, he said it was his drive and determination. He said it was only when one stood the test of time that the real individual's attributes could be exposed.

"It was unfortunate that most professionals left Bawku during the conflict but I thank God, my wife and mother for giving me the support to remain dedicated during the difficult times," Mr Dorgbetor added. Mr Samuel Amankwa, Acting Director, ISD, expressed gratitude to government for the provision of office equipment and vehicles to enhance service delivery. He noted that the award would contribute to increase productivity. 21 Oct. 08