The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, has expressed appreciation to the staff of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for their dedication and hard work throughout the year.

According to her, the performance of staff had been impressive, citing encouraging reports from various departments including waste management, budget, and revenue mobilization.

Speaking at a staff durbar held to address welfare issues, training, and end-of-year preparations, the Mayor applauded the various departments in the assembly and urged staff to maintain their momentum as the year drew to a close.

“From waste management to budgeting and administration, all the reports we have received are so encouraging. You have done extremely well, and I want to applaud each one of you,” she said.

She also highlighted the work of the Agriculture Department, for spearheading initiatives such as backyard farming and fish farming to promote urban agriculture.

“The Agriculture Department deserves special mention for the fantastic training programs. Many of you have benefitted from these programs, and I encourage you all to take up backyard farming. It’s a great way to save money and be more sustainable,” she added.

She stressed the importance of professionalism and urged staff to be mindful of their conduct to maintain AMA’s reputation in the public eye.

The Coordinating Director of AMA, Douglas N.K. Annoful, expressed gratitude to the Mayor for her efforts in improving the salary structure, noting that no one was being paid below the minimum wage.

Present at the event were the Director of Finance, Abeiku Amissah, Director of Agriculture, Mr Kodwo Ennin Fynn, Director of Budget, Noble Atsu Ahadzie, Director of Public Health, Florence Kuukyi, Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mariam Mensah, Directors of Sub Metros, and staff of the assembly.

Divisional Officer Grade 3 in charge of Safety, at the Ghana National Fire Service, Genevieve Nana Derby,  in a presentation on fire preventive measures admonished staff to avoid using phones in the kitchen as they pose severe safety risks.

“Using phones in the kitchen while cooking is dangerous because electromagnetic waves from the phone can react with open flames, causing a fire” she explained.

She advised staff to inspect their cylinders regularly for rust and take preventive measures, adding that LPG and biogas are safe if proper precautions are taken.

“When you see rust on your gas cylinder, use anti-rust treatment immediately to prevent accidents. Safety depends on how well we maintain our equipment,” she warned.