OHLGS ORGANIZES SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP ON SMART WORKPLACE FOR RCCs AND MMDAs IN SUNYANI

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The Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS) in collaboration with National Information Technology Agency (NITA) and eSolutions Consulting is operationalizing the Smart Workplace Platform towards the digitalization of the operations of the OHLGS, Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The Smart Workplace Platform (SWP) is an intranet, communication, collaboration and business process automation solution. Built on Microsoft Office 365, the Smart Workplace provides staff with a single access point to all resources needed for daily tasks such as memo, correspondence, email, calendar, audio and video conferencing.

Organized by OHLGS, the one-day sensitization workshop was attended by Coordinating directors and IT Officers from RCCs and MMDAs in Ahafo, Savannah, Bono and Bono East Regions on Friday, 10^th May 2024 at Sheila’s Executive Hotel, Fiapre-Sunyani.

In her welcome address, the Bono Regional Minister, Hon. Justina Owusu-Banahene stated that IT has come to make work easier and faster. She said the SWP will enable public service organizations to streamline their processes and automate routine tasks, leading to increased productivity and faster service delivery.

Hon. Owusu-Banahene noted that IT tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and other platforms have improved communication and information sharing within public service agencies and between these agencies and the public they serve This has led to better coordination and more responsive service.

She further stated that IT has provided public service organizations with the ability to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data. This has enabled data-driven decision-making, where policies and services can be informed by real-time information and insights, leading to more effective and targeted interventions.

Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyemang-Boakye, the Chief Director, OHLGS, said more than 550 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including Tertiary Institutions were using the workplace system.

Mrs. Dapaah also said initiative represented a significant step in the path towards modernization and efficient public service delivery to enhance governance and administration.

Mr. Gabriel Dela, the Smart Workspace Programme Manager, highlighted the benefits of the system, which included the ability to work smoothly, enhanced processing and improved information search capabilities and reduce costs of operation.

He also said the SWP equips staff with secure, role-based access to the necessary IT solutions and tools for remote work, anytime, anywhere, on any web-enabled device. Whether you’re in the field, working from home, or in the office, you can count on the SWP to enable you to work efficiently and effectively. The system enhances audit trails, reporting mechanisms and streamline task assignment and tracking systems, Mr. Dela indicated.