Local Gov’t Service justifies interdiction of staff who engaged in party politics

The Local Government Service has justified its decision to suspend three of its staff engaged in active party politics pending further investigations by the Council.

According to Head of the Service, Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, the Service is guided by laws, which must be adhered to by all staff.

Two members of staff of the LGS are facing disciplinary actions following their participation in the recent parliamentary primaries held by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). A third person who is also contesting in the primaries of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), is facing similar sanction.

They are Alhaji Maazu Abubakar, Pru West constituency; Alexander Hedidor, Suaman constituency, Roland Nsoh-Billa Abire and Bolgatanga East constituency.

But addressing journalists on Wednesday at Peduase in the Eastern Region, Nana Ato Arthur said the decision to interdict the officers pending the Council’s verdict, is premised on Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution.
“Article 284 of the Constitution provides that ‘A public officer shall not put himself/herself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office.’

“Since the exercise of the Constitutional right of a public officer is likely to conflict with the performance of functions as a public officer, once the officer decides to engage in active party-politics, and takes the proximate step, the officer cannot be denied. However, the integrity of the public service shall not be compromised,” he insisted.