OHLGS – Monday September 9, 2019: The Economic Planning Officers of the sixteen (16) Regional Co-ordinating Councils called on the Head of Service, Ing. Dr. Nana Ato Arthur to officially brief him on their GiZ sponsored study tour to Germany and other related matters. The team was welcomed by the acting Chief Director, Mr. James Oppong Mensah who commended them for their punctuality; and urged them to apply the same level of commitment to all aspects of their working life.
The spokesperson for the Regional Economic Planning Officers (REPOs), Mr. George G. Ackah who is also REPO at the Greater Accra Regional Co-ordinating Council thanked the Head of Service for his support that contributed to make the tour successful. He indicated that the trip was an eye opener as a result of which they have resolved to give off their best. He said that the trip exposed them to the critical role of planners in delivering improved public services and they are ready to support efforts aimed to achieve the vision of the Service. He added that periodic meetings between the Head of Service and the REPOs is important to create the needed platform to address pressing issues that mitigates against their performance.
The Head of Service advised the Regional Economic Planning Officers to use their office to facilitate the development and implementation of interventions leading to the achievement of the mandate of the Service. He said effective monitoring and supervision is crucial in ensuring the realization of desired projects and programmes outcomes. He urged officers to bring on board expertise of other staff in the discharge of the duties for greater impact. He noted for example that, IT officers could support planners in the collection of credible data for analysis and informed decision-making.
The Regional Economic Panning Officers went on a study tour to Germany through a GiZ sponsorship between May 5 – 12, 2019 to learn at firsthand the workings of planning and financial mobilization systems as practiced in Germany. As part of the tour, the REPOs also had opportunity to visit some institutions for practical hands-on experience.