The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) held a staff durbar aimed at strengthening internal communication, addressing staff concerns, and fostering unity within the institution. The session brought together staff from all departments to engage directly with management and share feedback on issues affecting their work.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Daniel Nkrumah, welcomed all staff and expressed appreciation for their continued dedication and hard work. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and encouraged open dialogue throughout the session.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all departmental heads, staff, and supporting personnel for their resilience, loyalty, and commitment to duty. He acknowledged that both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts have significantly enhanced LaDMA’s reputation in areas such as Public Financial Management.
Outlining his vision for the Assembly, Hon. Anyetei expressed his determination to transform LaDMA into a more efficient and productive institution. He noted that achieving this vision would require discipline, cooperation, and the professionalism of every staff member. He further stressed that indiscipline and acts of disrespect would not be tolerated and called for adherence to rules and regulations.
The MCE also addressed existing challenges such as the poor condition of the Assembly’s washrooms due to water shortages and other logistical issues. He assured staff that he had directed management to urgently address these problems.
During the open forum, staff members raised various concerns. A representative from the Education Office reported that floor tiles in their department were coming off and posed a safety hazard. The Coordinating Director assured him that the issue would be resolved as soon as possible.
A domestic staff member highlighted the non-payment of allowances for weekend duties. Another reiterated concerns about the condition of the washrooms, worsened by a lack of water. In response, Mr. Nkrumah stated that he had instructed the Estate Officer to expedite the drilling of a borehole to resolve the water issue. He also promised that all outstanding allowance payments would be addressed promptly.
Staff from the Transport Department expressed dissatisfaction with the number of broken-down vehicles, inadequate office space for drivers, and lack of promotions despite years of service. One driver mentioned having served for over twelve years without any advancement. The Coordinating Director responded that plans were underway to organize promotional interviews and establish a clearer structure to distinguish between junior and senior officers.
An Environmental Health staff member inquired about the enforceability of the Assembly’s bylaws. Deputy Director Mr. Henry clarified that while the bylaws are in existence, they are currently undergoing a review process for gazetting. He added that certain aspects are already enforceable and can be upheld in court.
Another staff member asked about their daily wage. The Municipal Finance Officer explained that the national minimum wage is GHS 19.97 per day, but Assembly staff currently receive more than that. The MCE further assured staff that additional allowances would be considered to support their welfare. The Coordinating Director added that a quarterly allowance structure already exists and instructed the Finance Officer to ensure its proper implementation.
A female staff member raised a question about the readiness of the municipal health facility to serve both staff and the general public. The LaDMA Health Director responded that the polyclinic is now well equipped and capable of handling a wide range of health services, including ENT and eye care.
A member of the Assembly’s task force also voiced concerns about the limited availability of uniforms and reflectors for security personnel. The MCE acknowledged the issue and assured staff that the Assembly would work on providing the necessary logistics to support their work.
The durbar concluded with a vote of thanks from the Coordinating Director, who expressed his appreciation for the honest and constructive feedback shared by staff. He reaffirmed management’s commitment to building a supportive and responsive working environment that prioritizes staff welfare and institutional efficiency.
