Koforidua, Eastern Region – Monday, June 16, 2025: The Local Government Service (LGS), in collaboration with development partners including, the World Bank, the Partnership for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Governance (PMI-WILL) Project and National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), has organized a national workshop to validate its draft Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy and Communication Strategy (ASHP & CS).
The objective of the workshop was to amongst others, present the draft ASHP & Communication Strategy for review, engage in candid discussions, capture insights to refine the document, validate the policy and ensure it aligns with the realities of the LGS & international standards, forge consensus on its implementation, foster ownership across all tiers of the Service that is the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service (OHLGS), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and the Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The workshop marks a major step toward creating safer and more inclusive workplaces across the Service.
Held in Koforidua, the event brought together key stakeholders, including the Head of Service, the Chief Director of the OHLGS, Regional and District Coordinating Directors, staff representatives from all the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and some selected Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), with particular attention to Staff with Disabilities, as well as consultants.
Delivering the keynote address, Head of Service, Professor Lord Mensah, emphasized zero tolerance for sexual harassment and the Service’s commitment to promoting respect, accountability, and professionalism.
“This policy is more than a document—it is a call to action to safeguard every officer and uphold institutional values,” he stated.
He highlighted that the policy was informed by comprehensive stakeholder engagement, which revealed issues such as fear of retaliation, abuse of power, and distrust in current complaint systems. He urged leaders at all levels to drive implementation and ensure workplace safety and dignity.
Mr. Yaw Adu-Asamoah, Chief Director of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC), welcomed participants and stressed the policy’s role in tackling harmful workplace cultures. He encouraged enforcement beyond mere documentation, citing the Ghana Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which guarantees the right to safe and healthy working conditions.
The workshop featured presentations by consultants, breakout sessions and plenary discussions to refine the draft documents and ensure ownership by staff at all levels.
Once finalized, the policy will:
- Provide clear procedures for reporting and addressing harassment.
- Enhance preventive education and awareness.
- Strengthen accountability through institutional oversight.
- Promote a culture of respect, professionalism, and safety.
LGS remains committed to ensuring a harassment-free work environment and building a decentralized, client-focused public service that upholds the dignity and rights of all staff.
It was one of three zonal validation workshops covering all 16 regions and some selected MMDAs.