Revenue Authority spearheads employee policy

An Employee Wellbeing Policy (EWP) document for public and private sectors spearheaded by Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been outdoored.

The document developed in collaboration with German Technical Cooporation (GTZ) and the Ghana Community Network Limited (GCNet) covers health, mental, emotional, social and financial wellbeing of employees.

The policy seeks to enhance the health status of GRA and GCNet employees and dependent, to provide social protection and financial wellness, and also to ensure adequate, consistent and sustainable provision of information and education on health, living with disability, financial comfort and social protection.

The policy features confidentiality of the health status of employees, gender equality, collective responsibility, and non-discrimination in obtaining healthcare.

Mr. Robert Mettle-Nunoo, Deputy Minister of Health said: “the policy is very unique and comprehensive which is in line with government’s goal of providing not only accessible but affordable health care for citizens of the nation. This would ultimately assist government in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.”

“The scope of the policy takes into consideration improved access to health, social protection and financial counseling, prevention, treatment and care and support facilities that are related to infectious and non-communicable diseases should be implemented at all workplaces so that staff are motivated to make maximum efforts to put up their best.”

He indicated that government attaches great importance to the wellbeing of employees in both the public and private sectors and as such several interventions have been put in place to ensure that the nation’s workface stay healthy.

Mr. Mettle-Nunoo mentioned that interventions such as the national health insurance scheme, the national malaria control programme, national AIDS control programme and the regenerative health policies have all helped in improving the health of Ghanaians and that public-private partnership such as this initiative which compliments government’s efforts are very commendable.

He urged all staff of the various agencies to fully participate in the programmes and observe basic measures that will enhance their wellbeing.

Mr. Richard Lanyon, Commissioner, Customs Division, GRA stated that the launch of this policy marks the climax of the EWP which will be the driving force for achieving the programme’s goals and objectives.

“The management of the processes, the procedures and the systems in tax collection, is a very hazardous and stressful endeavour. It is therefore an imperative that a deliberate and sustained programme is put in place to maintain a healthy workforce.

“Management has a duty to ensure the total wellbeing of staff. For this reason, we have totally embraced the EWP,” Mr. Lanyon remarked.