The Public Services Workers Union](PSWU) has strongly opposed comments made by the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, regarding the presence of television sets in government offices.
Dr. Thompson, in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, March 6, 2025, described televisions in public offices as the “ultimate symbol” of the country’s lack of seriousness toward productivity and national development. He called for their removal, arguing that they distract workers and undermine efficiency. “The presence of television sets in government offices is the ultimate symbol of a country that is not serious. I have been to places where I walked through reception and straight to the minister’s office, and no one asked me a question, and it was because they were all watching television,” he stated.
However, the PSWU has rejected this assertion, calling it an inappropriate generalization. According to the union, television sets are not a common feature in most public service offices, and where they exist, they serve a functional purpose. Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU, John Sampah, clarified that televisions are typically placed in reception areas to enhance customer service, ensuring that visitors are comfortable while they wait. He further noted that in specific departments, such as public relations offices, televisions are essential for news monitoring. Speaking in an interview with Citi News, Mr Sampah expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of criticism directed at public sector workers. He argued that public servants are often unfairly portrayed as unproductive, despite their crucial role in national development. The PSWU also pointed out that television sets are commonly found in private institutions without any impact on productivity. The union dismissed the notion that their presence in public offices hinders efficiency, emphasizing that if any productivity issues were to arise, management would promptly address them.
Mr Sampah concluded that no such concerns have been observed so far, reinforcing the union’s stance that the NDPC Chairman’s remarks were misleading and unwarranted.
