January 5, 2012

The Director of Elections for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Member of Parliament for Manhyia, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has urged government to as a matter of urgency improve the condition of service for staff of the Electoral Commission.

According to him, there is the need to perk –up the conditions service for the EC staff who work in one of the sensitive institutions of state, as their salaries are nothing to write home about.

Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show on Wednesday, Hon. Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, stated that the committee which was constituted to look into the lapses that characterized the recent District Assemblies election recommended the improvement of working conditions for the EC staff which has not been implemented yet.

He said information available to him indicates that there is brewing tension and unrest among the EC staff over their exclusion from the Single Spine Pay policy, which is currently enjoyed by public sector workers.

The vocal Legislator, disclosed that he was aware some of the EC staff were contemplating embarking on strike action to press home their demands for improved conditions, and called on government to take immediate steps to meet their demands and avoid a strike action, as that would be costly to the state especially as Ghana is in an election year.

Hon. Dr Opoku Prempeh added that improving their condition of service now would serve as a morale booster for the EC staff to delivery efficiently in the upcoming general elections and beyond.

Kwadwo Anim/ghnanamps.gov.gh