The AMA has advised the general public to use the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) as an avenue to seek redress for any misconduct of its staff in the discharge of their duties.  

The Presiding Member (PM) of the assembly who doubles as the Assembly Member of the Avenor Electoral Area, Mr Alfred Asiedu Adjei advised this in response to concerns raised by a trader during a stakeholder engagement meeting organised by the Budget Department of AMA on the preparation of the 2024 Fee Fixing Resolution (FFR) at the Church of Pentecost Kaneshie District.   

According to him in a bid to uphold transparency, probity and accountability with the public; The Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) was established by the Local Government Act 936 to provide citizens with an avenue to seek redress against staff misconduct.

He said in line with the Local Government Act 936 section 26 subsection 1,  A District Assembly shall have a Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) consisting of the Presiding Member who shall be the chairperson, five members of the District Assembly elected by the members of the District Assembly, a representative of each of the district offices of the following:  National Commission for Civic Education, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice(CHRAJ), Information Services Department, and Civil Society Organisations in the district selected by the Civil Society Organisations.

He noted that the PRCC has among its mandate to "investigate complaints or allegations made against the conduct of the District Chief Executive, members of the District Assembly, staff of the District Assembly and staff of the departments of the  Assembly; investigate complaints or allegations of administrative injustice, abuse and misuse of office and violation of the fundamental human rights of any member of the public in the district against the District Chief Executive, a member of the District Assembly, staff of the District Assembly and staff of the departments of the District Assembly. 

He pointed out that the PRCC was an essential tool for addressing issues related to the misbehaviour and misconduct of staff and the Chief Executive of the Assembly.

He explained that even though the committee could perform any other functions related to its core mandate, it does not investigate a matter which is pending before a court or the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice. 

On the procedure for submitting a complaint, the PM said the complaint must be channelled through the client service unit of the Assembly and addressed to the Presiding Member (PM).

He assured that the Committee in the discharge of its duties complies with the rules of natural justice and ensures that actions are taken on recommendations presented to the General Assembly in respect of its investigations. 

"By offering an external avenue for redress and demonstrating a commitment to addressing staff misconduct, the AMA hopes to rebuild public trust and set an example for responsible behaviour in similar contexts, " he said. 

"Addressing staff misconduct will enable us to learn from our mistakes and make necessary improvements which can lead to the development of better policies, training programs, and preventive measures to minimize future incidents," he added.