On Friday, 16th January, 2026, the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly hosted a working visit from the Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS). The visit formed part of efforts to engage staff, assess operational practices, and outline strategic directions aimed at strengthening local government administration and service delivery.
The delegation was led by the Head of Local Government Service, Professor Lord Kwaku Mensah, accompanied by the Chief Director, Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyeman-Boakye.
In his address to management and staff, Professor Lord Kwaku Mensah presented his vision for the Local Government Service, emphasizing reforms and best practices that would enhance efficiency and accountability.
He stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making, noting that policies, planning, and resource allocation should be guided by accurate and timely data to ensure effective outcomes. He also highlighted the need for professionalism at the workplace, urging staff to uphold ethical standards, discipline, and respect in the discharge of their duties.
Furthermore, the Head of Service encouraged the adoption of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a means of mobilizing additional resources and expertise to support development projects. He also underscored the principle of physical decentralization, explaining that bringing services closer to communities would improve accessibility and responsiveness in governance.
During the engagement, the Head of Local Government Service made several observations concerning administrative and operational practices within the Assembly.
He emphasized the need for strict compliance with attendance monitoring procedures, particularly the consistent use of the clock-in (biometric) device, to promote punctuality and accountability. He also drew attention to the importance of adhering to established reporting lines, explaining that proper communication channels are essential for effective supervision and coordination.
The issue of staff training and capacity building was highlighted, with a call for continuous learning to enhance performance and improve service delivery. He further stressed the need to respect institutional authority and status, reminding staff to recognize and uphold the hierarchy and mandates of offices within the Local Government Service.
Additionally, he cautioned that official posting directives must be strictly adhered to, as non-compliance affects service efficiency and organizational discipline. He also recommended the establishment of a crèche facility at the Assembly to support nursing mothers and promote staff welfare.
The Head of Local Government Service also introduced several new initiatives aimed at strengthening institutional governance and improving staff development.
He announced the introduction of an anti-sexual harassment and abuse policy, aimed at ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment for all staff. To enhance staff capacity, he introduced an e-learning platform, under which all staff would be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of training annually, with a strong emphasis on AI-generated learning content. This initiative is expected to be implemented every year to promote continuous professional development.
He further encouraged interdepartmental collaboration, noting that teamwork and shared responsibility are critical to achieving institutional goals. Lastly, he highlighted the need for adequate logistics and working tools, explaining that the provision of appropriate resources would significantly improve staff efficiency and overall productivity.
The visit by the Office of the Head of Local Government Service was insightful and impactful, as it provided strategic direction, identified key areas for improvement, and introduced initiatives aimed at enhancing performance and service delivery within the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly. Management and staff were encouraged to take the observations and directives seriously and work collectively towards achieving excellence in local governance.
