Accra: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has called on the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM) to implement robust measures to eliminate sexual harassment within the public service. "Some Chief Executive Officers and Human Resource practitioners abuse and take advantage of job seekers, especially women, before offering them employment or promotion at the workplace," he stated. Mr. Iddrisu made these remarks during the inauguration of the 11-member Council of the CIHRM, where he administered the oaths of office and secrecy to the new members.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister urged the Council to address the issue decisively and to hold offenders accountable to build public confidence in the public sector. He also stressed the need for a national dialogue on the link between productivity and employment in the public sector. "During my time as the Minister of Communication, the National Communication Authority staff strength was 90, but currently the number has increased to over 300 staff," he noted. He underscored the importance of determining the optimal staffing levels in public organisations to ensure value for money.
The requirement for Metropolitan and Municipal District Assemblies to report staffing and related expenditures to Parliament is essential for transparency and efficiency, he highlighted. Mr. Iddrisu also encouraged the Council to create a framework for determining ideal staffing levels in various institutions. While affirming the government's intention to create employment, he cautioned that certain public organisations had exploited the system in ways that did not align with productivity.
He tasked the Council with developing a national manpower strategy, identifying key categories of personnel required in the future to inform curriculum development. The Minister also reminded public and civil servants of the importance of ethical conduct, urging them to demonstrate professionalism by reporting to work punctually.
In her response, Mrs. Florence Mangwe Hutchful, Chair of the Council, expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the trust placed in them. She affirmed the Council's commitment to advancing professional training in human resource management. Mrs. Hutchful pledged to uphold ethical standards among members and to address the Minister's concerns, particularly regarding sexual harassment and other challenges within the public sector.
Other Council members include Ms. Dorothy Asare, Vice President of the Institute; Dr. Edward Kwapong, former President; Nana Kwabena Yeboah; and Mr. Eric Sewornu Adadevoh. Additionally, Mr. Iddrisu inaugurated the governing councils of the Ghana Communications Technology University and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.