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CAGD Digest 171
2024 CIVIL SERVICE WEEK CELEBRATIONS ENDED
A series of activities marking the 2024 Civil Service Week Celebrations has been held at the Ministries Enclave in Accra. Two public lectures were held on Monday 29th April, 2024 at the Nathan Quao Auditorium, CLOGSAG on the theme “Combating Threats to Sub-Regional Peace and Security; Perspectives of The Civil Service” and ‘Building State Resilience Through Human Security; The Civil Service in Focus. Some key personalities present at the Public Lecture were Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, the Head of the Civil Service, Nana Kwesi Agyekum Dwamena, the former Head of the Civil Service, Mrs. Henritta Attah a retired Judge and Staff of the Civil Service.
A welcome remark was given by the Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey- Darkoh who extended a heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made it to the ceremony. Dr Evans Aggrey- Darkoh took a moment to acknowledge some special dignitaries who graced the event as well as sponsors of this year’s event.
PUBLIC LECTURE
Speaking on the theme “Combating Threats to Sub-Regional Peace and Security; Perspectives of The Civil Service”, Dr. Kwaku Danso, a Senior lecturer and Acting Dean, Faculty of Academic Affairs & Research at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre explained that, Sub-Regional peace and security are crucial aspects of maintaining stability and prosperity in various regions around the world. The perspectives of the Civil Service play a significant role in combating threats to sub-regional peace and security. Stating that Civil Servants are often at the forefront of implementing policies, coordinating responses and engaging with various stakeholders to address challenges that may arise. He added that the Civil Service plays a role in combating threats through policy development, coordination, capacity building, Community engagement and international cooperation. Dr. Kwaku Danso also made mention of some challenges to sub-regional peace and security. Some of these challenges were; conflict, terrorism, transnational crime, policy instability, resource scarcity. He also made mention that every election since the 1992 constitution of Ghana has been played by certain disturbances that marred the peace and security of the democratic governance. He then stated that as the country approaches the 2024 elections, it is important to adhere to the norms and principles of the country as enshrined in the 1992 constitution.
The second speaker, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Director General for Cyber Security Authority, also spoke on the theme ‘Building State Resilience Through Human Security; The Civil Service in Focus’. He explained state resilience as a state’s ability to withstand and recover from internal and external shocks such as conflicts, natural disasters, economic crises and pandemics. Human security on the other hand focuses on protecting individuals from various threats and ensuring their wellbeing. He said the role Civil Servants play in enhancing human security includes; policy formulation and implementation, service delivery, governance and accountability, conflict prevention and resolution, and capacity building.
Dr. Antwi -Boasiako noted that despite its critical role, the Civil Service faces various challenges that can hinder its effectiveness in prompting human security. These includes; political interference, lack of resources and capacity gaps. He also mentioned some risks posed by cyber-attacks as follows; Reputation damage, National Security concerns, Data breaches, Financial losses, Supply Chain risks and Service disruption. He concluded by saying that ‘We do expect that every organization should have a cyber -security unit’.
POLICY FAIR AND EXHIBITION
The Public Lecture was followed by the opening of the 3-day Policy Fair and Exhibition at the Forecourt of the CLOGSAG Auditorium. The 3-day fair was to showcase the various activities, Goods and Services provided by MDAs that fall under the Civil Service of Ghana and also the opportunity for stakeholders to interact with exhibitors and patronize their services.
COOKING COMPETITION
On the last day of the Policy Fair and Exhibition, a cooking competition was held among 15 Ministries, Departments and Agencies working under the Civil Service. The cooking competition gave each MDA the chance to exhibit their culinary creativity and expertise regardless of their gender. At the end of the competition, the aroma of creativity filled the air as the best dish won the day. The first position went to the Ministry of Railways Development. They prepared Waakye and Chicken Gravy, followed by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources they prepared Garifoto, Fried Plantain, and Gravy. The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs won the third position with Banku and Okro Stew, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs won the fourth position with Beans and Fried Plantain. The Ministry of Social Welfare prepared Yam with Kontomire stew and won the fifth position. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs was the last with Banku and Fried Rice with Gravy.
At the end of the Marathon, Certificates and Prizes were given to all the contestants who took part in the cooking competition.