PSWU rejects NDPC chairman Dr. Nii Moi Thompson’s criticism of TVs in government offices

The Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) has strongly opposed remarks by the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, regarding television sets in government offices.

Dr. Thompson, speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, March 6, 2025, described the presence of televisions in government offices as a sign of Ghana’s lack of seriousness toward productivity and national development. He advocated for their removal, stating, “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.”

In response, the PSWU dismissed his assertion as inaccurate and misleading. The union clarified that televisions are not a common feature in most public service offices and, where they do exist, they serve specific purposes.

Deputy General Secretary of the PSWU, John Sampa, explained that televisions in reception areas are meant to enhance customer service by keeping visitors engaged while they wait. Additionally, in departments such as public relations offices, televisions are used for news monitoring, which is essential for their work.

Sampa expressed concern over what he described as a persistent effort to paint public servants as unproductive, stating that such narratives are unfair. He also noted that even private institutions have televisions in their offices without any negative impact on productivity.

He further stressed that if television usage were ever found to interfere with work efficiency, management would take the necessary steps to address the issue. However, he emphasized that no such concerns have been observed so far.