The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has welcomed National Service Personnel (NSP) posted to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and expressed hope in their abilities, urging them to treat the opportunity as a privilege that can shape their careers through commitment and hard work.

The Mayor officially welcomed the NSP on Tuesday when he met them at the City Hall as part of an orientation session to brief them on the Local Government Service (LGS) conditions of service, expected workplace conduct and professional standards.

Mayor Allotey cautioned the personnel to desist from lateness, absenteeism, and early closing, stressing that public service demanded discipline, sacrifice, and diligence.

He said some workers had developed the habit of reporting to work and “sneaking out” before closing time, describing the practice as unacceptable, and warned that such conduct would attract consequences.

Hon. Allotey noted that while many young workers were quick to pray for breakthroughs, progress was often driven by the basic principles of responsibility and consistent effort, insisting that “God blesses hard work.”

He said the Assembly’s working hours were clear, explaining that official work began at 8:00 a.m. and closed at 5:00 p.m., and questioned why some personnel reported at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and other late hours.

The Mayor said management was working to improve staff welfare, including measures he said were aimed at ensuring that the lowest salary paid was “not less than one thousand Ghana cedis”, adding that it would be unfair for staff to undermine institutional efforts while expecting conditions to improve.

He said the engagement was also meant to speak to the conscience of the personnel, explaining that guidance and mentorship could redirect people from wrongdoing and help them build meaningful careers.

He said he had seen people who were previously “written off” become productive in their fields because someone believed in them and offered direction, adding that the future people desired was built by what they did “today, right here, with our own hands.”

Hon. Allotey described public service as demanding, recounting what he said were the pressures of his own responsibilities, including spending long hours at duty posts with limited time for family.

He also shared aspects of his personal journey, saying he had experienced hardship, including working as a driver and operating a taxi for three years, and noted that the background shaped his understanding of the challenges ordinary workers faced.

The Mayor urged the personnel to maximise the exposure, networks, and learning opportunities available at the AMA, stressing that commitment and professionalism could open doors beyond their service period.

He also hinted at a planned recognition scheme, saying awards would be introduced to reward outstanding performance and encourage excellence among the personnel.

The orientation, he said, formed part of the Assembly’s efforts to ensure that NSP understood workplace rules, professional standards, and the conditions governing their engagement under the LGS.