Good phone manners are very important ethics of communication both at work and at home. When you are on the phone with someone, your only interaction is verbal, so saying the right things is important to make the right impression.
Standards for telephone procedures must be followed if you are answering or making a phone call. But if you do not know, take the initiative and ask – it will show that you care about your performance and how you want to be perceived in society.
If you are answering the phone at home or talking with your friend, speak clearly, be polite and offer to take a message or help if you are answering the phone for someone else.
Here are some common practices that will make you sound polite, whether talking on the phone to a friend or a complete stranger.
Answering the phone:
Some people like to let people know whom they have reached as soon as they pick up the phone. Choose a style that is comfortable for you and polite to others. Just avoid answering the phone in a way that may make the person on the other end feel uncomfortable such as, “What?” or “Who is this?”.
Taking Messages:
If you answer someone else’s phone, you should always offer to take a message. Again, this can be as simple as saying for instance, “I’m sorry, John has stepped out. May I take a message?” or “I’m sorry, he is busy at the moment. May I take your name and number and have him call you back?”
If the person who is calling asks you to help instead, and you do not feel comfortable or do not know the answer to the questions, it is always polite to say, “Sorry” I do not know but I would be happy to pass the message on”.
Just remember to pass the message on! If someone leaves a message, be sure to write down the name, phone number, time called and the message – then be sure to give the message to the person being called.
Interrupting Others:
Wait until someone finishes his or her phone conversation before talking to him or her. If it is urgent and you need to use the phone or talk to the person on phone, do not pick up the line and start talking. Instead, say “Excuse me, May I talk to you for a second?” or “I’m sorry, but I need to make an urgent call, do you mind if I use the phone? “
Good telephone etiquette goes beyond saying “please” and “thank you”. It includes not leaving callers on hold too long, forwarding callers to their prospective recipients gracefully by using polite and friendly greetings.
Guide to improving your telephone manners:
Q. When receiving a telephone call, should I mention my name?
A. If you are answering a telephone call, it is polite to state your name or the residence in your greeting.
Q. If you have received a phone call from someone whose number you did not have originally, but it was captured on caller ID, is it appropriate to call the person back?
A. It is appropriate to call the person back only when he or she requests a call back.
Q. Who calls back when disconnected on the telephone?
A. When there is poor telephone connection or when you are disconnected, the individual who originated / initiated the call is responsible for calling back the other party.
How to practice telephone etiquette
• Plan the call:
Always jot down key objectives before making a call. What are you trying to accomplish? What outcome are you expecting? How will you deal with objectives? By setting the agenda, you are showing respect to the person you are calling.
• Know who you are calling:
Getting a person’s name right is critical. Understand the person’s position and acknowledge that in you greeting.
• Be polite:
This should be obvious, but being polite does not just mean treating the person you are calling with respect. This should be extended to the person answering the phone. Be careful to keep your tone of voice modulated and never indicate impatience at having to leave a message.
• Introduce yourself:
Make sure your recipient knows who you are, what you represent and the nature of your call. Speak clearly and slowly.
• Get to the point:
Once you are successful in reaching your party and have introduced yourself, get to the point. Idle chit-chat will only indicate that you do not respect your party’s time. Let the person know why you are calling and use your notes to keep your agenda clear.
• Listen:
Allow the person you are calling to ask questions and convey his / her point of view. Do not interrupt, and answer questions honestly and directly. Even if you are met with objections, allow the individual to finish before jumping in with your defense. Be courteous and check your attitude frequently.
Indicate that you are listening by saying, “I see,” “I understand,” or simply, “Yes,” but refrain from other comments until he / she is finished.
• Ask open-ended questions:
Encourage a free flow of dialogue by asking questions that require the person to respond fully. You can learn a lot from this type of exchange.
• Be patient:
Never try to rush a call, but allow the individual to fully express his / her opinions.
• Know when to end a call:
There is generally a point where it becomes clear that the call should be concluded, and trying to extend the call to reach additional objectives can be counterproductive.
Use positive statements such as “I know you are busy, and want to thank you for your time,” to politely signal the end of the conversation.
Remember to always treat people the way you would like to be treated and you won’t go wrong.
Monday, February 22, 2010
MTTU - Who they are and what they do...
The Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) is a division under the Ghana Police Service. It was formerly known as the Ghana Police Traffic Unit (GPTU) which is responsible for all road safety in the country.
The unit became part of the Ghana Police Service as far back as 1952.
The main difference between MTTU personnel and the Police Service personnel lies in their dresses/uniforms, tasks, turnouts and the use of flash lights. MTTU personnel do not use dangerous tools in their operations; however, its Modus Operandi (Mode of operation) differs from that of the Police service. MTTU personnel wear white caps / Tops.
The major duties of the MTTU are as follows:
* Educates the public about accident precautions.
* Trains personnel to arrest offending drivers.
* Meets stakeholders such as the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) and Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to discuss issues on preventing carnage on our roads.
* It is responsible for compiling all accident statistics nationwide on quarterly bases which are later disseminated to the public through the media.
* Controls traffic
* Enforces Traffic regulations
* Opens traffic for the President and other dignitaries who visit the country.
MTTU also partakes in accident prevention with the use of four Es - Enactment of laws and traffic regulations, Education, Engineering in the construction of feeder and urban roads, Zebra crossing and provision of Emergency medical services.
Furthermore, MTTU initiates police accident investigations in collaboration with other road safety holders such as Driver Vehicle and License Authority (DVLA).
DVLA, which was formerly called Vehicle Education License Department (VELD), has the mandate to ensure that drivers are well trained, issue certificates and licenses to qualified drivers. MTTU collaborates with DVLA to form task force to arrest drivers with fake license as well as expired number plates, road worthy certificates, etc.
Both units work hand-in-hand to determine the cause of accident, be it a mechanical error or not. Cases are referred to DVLA for further investigations.
Both stakeholders educate drivers and the general public on motor issues.
There are about 1,300 MTTU Police Personnel nationwide. About 300 police personnel are currently working with the unit at its head quarters.
MTTU is a unit under the Police Service headed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). However, the National Commander of MTTU is ACP Daniel Avorga. There are eleven Regional Commanders, 178 District Commanders and 630 Police Stations.
It is of interest that, the Police Service has Eleven Regions instead of ten. This is so because Tema is treated as a Region separate from Greater-Accra Region.
However, all Regional officers report to the Director at the headquarters. District officers report to Regional Commanders.
There are many divisions under MTTU. Some are: Traffic, Accident, Investigation, Training and Education Units. It organizes in-service training programmes for its personnel. This lasts between 2 and 3 years.
REVENUE:
Records indicate that from January-September 09, the unit made about GH¢200,000 (¢2b old cedis) from court fines against offending road users. Some of them have been imprisoned to serve as deterrent to others.
ACCIDENTS:
Moreover, statistics from the unit indicates that, about 1,205 Ghanaians died through accidents from January to September last year. Most of the accidents were preventable. Additionally, 6,000 people were seriously injured, where about 12,000 properties were destroyed or damaged completely. Also, huge sum of money was lost through accidents.
The basic qualification for joining the Ghana Police Force is SHS Certificate with six passes including English and Maths. After the normal training at the Police training school, some are selected to join the MTTU.
The other major recruit demands are: - heights, physic (direct control) and intelligence.
MTTU is challenged with Inadequate:
* Enforcement equipment.
* Towing and recovering trucks for at least one per region.
* Accident logistics like hand gloves, blanket, etc for accident investigators.
* Traffic enforcement equipments like alcohol enforcement censor, flash lights, operational vehicles, accommodation for personnel and other educational equipment such as, digital camera.
MTTU is an agency under Ministry of Interior and is financed by the national and police budget. It enjoys financial support from philanthropists. The National Road Safety Commission supports by providing logistics.
The sterling qualities of MTTU personnel are the same with the Police Service. They are disciplined; provide good service, always alert and intelligent.
Children aspiring to join MTTU in future are advised to take their studies seriously and learn how to work with limited supervision.
MTTU trains Ghanaian drivers' right from the start to assist in minimizing the carnage on our roads where majority of casualties are the youth.
“We admonished that, you use the roads with caution. Remember to wear seat belts when you board a vehicle, if there is any. MTTU is a Service for Ghanaians and the future belongs to the children”, an officer advised.
People should not hesitate to report any driver found driving recklessly, carelessly or dangerously and drank. It is stipulated in the Road Traffic Act to arrest any driver found going contrary to the Act.
The roads Traffic Act - 683 of 2004, as amended by Act - 761 of 2008 with LI 952 and 953 of 1974 and Criminal Code Act - 29 of 1960 as well as the Ghana Highway Code of 1974 were created to sanction drivers who refuse to abide by these laws.
You may call the following emergency numbers to lodge any complaint:
MTN: 18008
VODAFONE: 080010800
KASAPA: 10800
MTTU Head office Line: 021-664206
The unit became part of the Ghana Police Service as far back as 1952.
The main difference between MTTU personnel and the Police Service personnel lies in their dresses/uniforms, tasks, turnouts and the use of flash lights. MTTU personnel do not use dangerous tools in their operations; however, its Modus Operandi (Mode of operation) differs from that of the Police service. MTTU personnel wear white caps / Tops.
The major duties of the MTTU are as follows:
* Educates the public about accident precautions.
* Trains personnel to arrest offending drivers.
* Meets stakeholders such as the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) and Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) to discuss issues on preventing carnage on our roads.
* It is responsible for compiling all accident statistics nationwide on quarterly bases which are later disseminated to the public through the media.
* Controls traffic
* Enforces Traffic regulations
* Opens traffic for the President and other dignitaries who visit the country.
MTTU also partakes in accident prevention with the use of four Es - Enactment of laws and traffic regulations, Education, Engineering in the construction of feeder and urban roads, Zebra crossing and provision of Emergency medical services.
Furthermore, MTTU initiates police accident investigations in collaboration with other road safety holders such as Driver Vehicle and License Authority (DVLA).
DVLA, which was formerly called Vehicle Education License Department (VELD), has the mandate to ensure that drivers are well trained, issue certificates and licenses to qualified drivers. MTTU collaborates with DVLA to form task force to arrest drivers with fake license as well as expired number plates, road worthy certificates, etc.
Both units work hand-in-hand to determine the cause of accident, be it a mechanical error or not. Cases are referred to DVLA for further investigations.
Both stakeholders educate drivers and the general public on motor issues.
There are about 1,300 MTTU Police Personnel nationwide. About 300 police personnel are currently working with the unit at its head quarters.
MTTU is a unit under the Police Service headed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). However, the National Commander of MTTU is ACP Daniel Avorga. There are eleven Regional Commanders, 178 District Commanders and 630 Police Stations.
It is of interest that, the Police Service has Eleven Regions instead of ten. This is so because Tema is treated as a Region separate from Greater-Accra Region.
However, all Regional officers report to the Director at the headquarters. District officers report to Regional Commanders.
There are many divisions under MTTU. Some are: Traffic, Accident, Investigation, Training and Education Units. It organizes in-service training programmes for its personnel. This lasts between 2 and 3 years.
REVENUE:
Records indicate that from January-September 09, the unit made about GH¢200,000 (¢2b old cedis) from court fines against offending road users. Some of them have been imprisoned to serve as deterrent to others.
ACCIDENTS:
Moreover, statistics from the unit indicates that, about 1,205 Ghanaians died through accidents from January to September last year. Most of the accidents were preventable. Additionally, 6,000 people were seriously injured, where about 12,000 properties were destroyed or damaged completely. Also, huge sum of money was lost through accidents.
The basic qualification for joining the Ghana Police Force is SHS Certificate with six passes including English and Maths. After the normal training at the Police training school, some are selected to join the MTTU.
The other major recruit demands are: - heights, physic (direct control) and intelligence.
MTTU is challenged with Inadequate:
* Enforcement equipment.
* Towing and recovering trucks for at least one per region.
* Accident logistics like hand gloves, blanket, etc for accident investigators.
* Traffic enforcement equipments like alcohol enforcement censor, flash lights, operational vehicles, accommodation for personnel and other educational equipment such as, digital camera.
MTTU is an agency under Ministry of Interior and is financed by the national and police budget. It enjoys financial support from philanthropists. The National Road Safety Commission supports by providing logistics.
The sterling qualities of MTTU personnel are the same with the Police Service. They are disciplined; provide good service, always alert and intelligent.
Children aspiring to join MTTU in future are advised to take their studies seriously and learn how to work with limited supervision.
MTTU trains Ghanaian drivers' right from the start to assist in minimizing the carnage on our roads where majority of casualties are the youth.
“We admonished that, you use the roads with caution. Remember to wear seat belts when you board a vehicle, if there is any. MTTU is a Service for Ghanaians and the future belongs to the children”, an officer advised.
People should not hesitate to report any driver found driving recklessly, carelessly or dangerously and drank. It is stipulated in the Road Traffic Act to arrest any driver found going contrary to the Act.
The roads Traffic Act - 683 of 2004, as amended by Act - 761 of 2008 with LI 952 and 953 of 1974 and Criminal Code Act - 29 of 1960 as well as the Ghana Highway Code of 1974 were created to sanction drivers who refuse to abide by these laws.
You may call the following emergency numbers to lodge any complaint:
MTN: 18008
VODAFONE: 080010800
KASAPA: 10800
MTTU Head office Line: 021-664206
PARLIAMENT - How It Is Run …
Parliament or the Legislature is not a Ministry. It is an arm of government just like the Executive which is headed by the President and the Judiciary which is also headed by the Chief Justice.
The speaker is elected by Parliament as a body. In practice, he / she is put forward by the party which holds majority of seats in Parliament. In theory, a Member of Parliament (MP) may propose any person who qualifies to be a Member of Parliament as a Speaker. The person(s) thus nominated is /are voted on and the person with the highest votes gets elected. Often times it is by consensus. He / she holds office for four (4) years.
PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE BOARD:
The management team of Parliament is known at the Parliamentary Service Board.
The Board is chaired by the Speaker and has both Majority and Minority Leaders, one former Member of Parliament and a serving Member of Parliament; provided that at least one of the last two shall be a woman and finally, the Clerk of Parliament.
MACE:
Before entering and leaving the chair of speaker-ship for a sitting, the Speaker is led by the “Sword” bearer who is the Marshal or his representative, the Clerk or any of his / her Deputies and other officers at the Table Office.
This “Golden Stick” or the “Sword” is called the MACE.
The Mace is the symbol of authority of Parliament or the Legislature. Parliament was born out of a system of representative government. The Mace is however, the symbol of the power or authority of the people which is given to their representatives to show the power that they wield on behalf of the people. The Mace in Ghana is a wooden carven which is laced with gold.
LEADERSHIP:
The leadership of the House is comprised of the Speaker and her two Deputies; the Majority Leader, the Deputy Majority Leader, the Majority Chief Whip and his two deputies and the Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, the Minority Chief Whip and his two Deputies.
COMMITTEES:
There are three types of Committees: Select - oversees the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Standing - Committees of the House and Adhoc - formed for matters which do not fall under any specific MDA. All together, there are 30 Committees (Select and Standing). Each member belongs to at least one of these Committees.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to say which committee is the most important since it is difficult to tell which Ministry is the most important. Without doubt however, the busiest Committee is the Finance Committee.
If the Speaker and her two deputies are not present, Parliament will not sit. If however, all three are unavailable because they have resigned or been impeached or are dead, then Parliament will sit to elect new Speaker and Deputies. Since independence, we have not witnessed such situation. It is important to state that in other jurisdictions, when the Speaker and the Deputies are absent but not vacated their seats, the oldest serving Member may be elected to hold the fort until the substantive speakers return.
HANSARD:
A Hansard is the official record of proceedings in Parliament. It attempts to capture verbatim (word for word) whatever that is said in the House. It is prepared by specially trained people who work under the Clerk of Parliament. These records are stored for posterity. (Future generation).
If there are equal numbers for both Majority and Minority then there is a split or a “Hung Parliament”. There is neither Majority nor Minority. In some places, they resort to rotational leadership. However, in other places, the party which controls the government (that is, Executive Presidency) is given the nominal leadership. This has not yet happened in Ghana's history. It would be interesting should it happen.
MEETINGS:
Parliament has three (3) meetings in a year. This constitutes one session. A meeting normally lasts from eight to ten weeks. It varies occasionally.
A sitting of Parliament is when it convenes for one day. Parliament normally sits from 10: am to 2: pm. occasionally. Getting to the end of a meeting or when there are very important matters, sittings, extend beyond the normal time. Parliamentary sittings are from Tuesdays to Fridays.
As provided for in the Constitution, Parliament has three meetings in a year. In between the meetings, there are situations which recall members from break. Some of these are - important national issues, passing of new bills.
If both the President and his Vice have to travel outside at the same time, the Speaker has to be sworn in as acting President. This has to be done in Parliament.
PARLIAMENTARY STAFF:
Parliamentary Staff include: Accountants to man finances; Research officers to help members in researching bills, etc, Stenographers and Computer literates to help with secretarial, Librarians, Transport officers, Marshal to help with security, Ushers, Nurses, to take care of MPs and other staff, protocol officers, Public Relations Officers, etc.
Junior staffs are employed by the Clerk, assisted by officers from the Human Resource Department but senior staffs are employed by the Parliamentary Service Board.
SALARIES:
Parliamentary work is a full time job; hence, MPs are paid salaries just like any other public worker. MPs do not receive any allowance during Committee sittings.
However, unlike what obtains elsewhere in Africa, Ghanaian Parliamentarians have virtually no benefits when they travel outside until the delegation includes the Speaker, they do not accord any courtesies to the MPs. On recess they are on their own.
QUESTION TIME:
Normally if a member is not satisfied with a Minister's answers, the matter is not left there. If a Minister cannot answer a question well, he / she may plead to allow for more time to come back. Sometimes a questioner may supply factual evidence to contradict a Minister’s answers and the latter may request to come back to clarify issues.
If an MP lies or uses bad language, he may be called to withdraw and apologize. If the MP refuses, he may be sanctioned. Where any member of the public uses bad language against an MP, he / she is made to withdraw and apologize.
A member is punished if he absents himself for 15 days without permission from the Speaker.
QUALITIES:
An MP must know the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the standing orders of Parliament. He / she must follow the pieces of legislation Parliament enacts and be diligent. Much of this depends on his / her competence level.
FUTURE MPS:
Children are advised to follow the conduct of Parliament, learn the Constitution of the Republic. They should study hard to build the capacity in their chosen fields of endeavour. Above all, they should lead good and clean lives since Members of Parliament are role models for society.
The speaker is elected by Parliament as a body. In practice, he / she is put forward by the party which holds majority of seats in Parliament. In theory, a Member of Parliament (MP) may propose any person who qualifies to be a Member of Parliament as a Speaker. The person(s) thus nominated is /are voted on and the person with the highest votes gets elected. Often times it is by consensus. He / she holds office for four (4) years.
PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE BOARD:
The management team of Parliament is known at the Parliamentary Service Board.
The Board is chaired by the Speaker and has both Majority and Minority Leaders, one former Member of Parliament and a serving Member of Parliament; provided that at least one of the last two shall be a woman and finally, the Clerk of Parliament.
MACE:
Before entering and leaving the chair of speaker-ship for a sitting, the Speaker is led by the “Sword” bearer who is the Marshal or his representative, the Clerk or any of his / her Deputies and other officers at the Table Office.
This “Golden Stick” or the “Sword” is called the MACE.
The Mace is the symbol of authority of Parliament or the Legislature. Parliament was born out of a system of representative government. The Mace is however, the symbol of the power or authority of the people which is given to their representatives to show the power that they wield on behalf of the people. The Mace in Ghana is a wooden carven which is laced with gold.
LEADERSHIP:
The leadership of the House is comprised of the Speaker and her two Deputies; the Majority Leader, the Deputy Majority Leader, the Majority Chief Whip and his two deputies and the Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, the Minority Chief Whip and his two Deputies.
COMMITTEES:
There are three types of Committees: Select - oversees the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Standing - Committees of the House and Adhoc - formed for matters which do not fall under any specific MDA. All together, there are 30 Committees (Select and Standing). Each member belongs to at least one of these Committees.
Nonetheless, it is difficult to say which committee is the most important since it is difficult to tell which Ministry is the most important. Without doubt however, the busiest Committee is the Finance Committee.
If the Speaker and her two deputies are not present, Parliament will not sit. If however, all three are unavailable because they have resigned or been impeached or are dead, then Parliament will sit to elect new Speaker and Deputies. Since independence, we have not witnessed such situation. It is important to state that in other jurisdictions, when the Speaker and the Deputies are absent but not vacated their seats, the oldest serving Member may be elected to hold the fort until the substantive speakers return.
HANSARD:
A Hansard is the official record of proceedings in Parliament. It attempts to capture verbatim (word for word) whatever that is said in the House. It is prepared by specially trained people who work under the Clerk of Parliament. These records are stored for posterity. (Future generation).
If there are equal numbers for both Majority and Minority then there is a split or a “Hung Parliament”. There is neither Majority nor Minority. In some places, they resort to rotational leadership. However, in other places, the party which controls the government (that is, Executive Presidency) is given the nominal leadership. This has not yet happened in Ghana's history. It would be interesting should it happen.
MEETINGS:
Parliament has three (3) meetings in a year. This constitutes one session. A meeting normally lasts from eight to ten weeks. It varies occasionally.
A sitting of Parliament is when it convenes for one day. Parliament normally sits from 10: am to 2: pm. occasionally. Getting to the end of a meeting or when there are very important matters, sittings, extend beyond the normal time. Parliamentary sittings are from Tuesdays to Fridays.
As provided for in the Constitution, Parliament has three meetings in a year. In between the meetings, there are situations which recall members from break. Some of these are - important national issues, passing of new bills.
If both the President and his Vice have to travel outside at the same time, the Speaker has to be sworn in as acting President. This has to be done in Parliament.
PARLIAMENTARY STAFF:
Parliamentary Staff include: Accountants to man finances; Research officers to help members in researching bills, etc, Stenographers and Computer literates to help with secretarial, Librarians, Transport officers, Marshal to help with security, Ushers, Nurses, to take care of MPs and other staff, protocol officers, Public Relations Officers, etc.
Junior staffs are employed by the Clerk, assisted by officers from the Human Resource Department but senior staffs are employed by the Parliamentary Service Board.
SALARIES:
Parliamentary work is a full time job; hence, MPs are paid salaries just like any other public worker. MPs do not receive any allowance during Committee sittings.
However, unlike what obtains elsewhere in Africa, Ghanaian Parliamentarians have virtually no benefits when they travel outside until the delegation includes the Speaker, they do not accord any courtesies to the MPs. On recess they are on their own.
QUESTION TIME:
Normally if a member is not satisfied with a Minister's answers, the matter is not left there. If a Minister cannot answer a question well, he / she may plead to allow for more time to come back. Sometimes a questioner may supply factual evidence to contradict a Minister’s answers and the latter may request to come back to clarify issues.
If an MP lies or uses bad language, he may be called to withdraw and apologize. If the MP refuses, he may be sanctioned. Where any member of the public uses bad language against an MP, he / she is made to withdraw and apologize.
A member is punished if he absents himself for 15 days without permission from the Speaker.
QUALITIES:
An MP must know the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the standing orders of Parliament. He / she must follow the pieces of legislation Parliament enacts and be diligent. Much of this depends on his / her competence level.
FUTURE MPS:
Children are advised to follow the conduct of Parliament, learn the Constitution of the Republic. They should study hard to build the capacity in their chosen fields of endeavour. Above all, they should lead good and clean lives since Members of Parliament are role models for society.
CHRAJ – NATURE AND PROCEDURE
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) was enacted by Act 456 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and was established for the protection and promotion of human rights in Ghana.
It was therefore passed by parliament and received Presidential assent on July 6, 1993. The Commission consists of a Commissioner and two deputies. The current Commissioner of CHRAJ is Mr. Emile Francis Short and his deputies are: Madam Anna Bossman, in charge of Legal and Investigations and Mr. Richard Ackom Quayson, who is also in charge of Public Education and Anti-corruption.
United Nation has urged states to set up institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights. The 1992 constitution of Ghana however, provides for the establishment of the Commission.
The commission is entrusted to investigate and remedy complaints of the following nature:
To investigate cases of violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, injustice, corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment of any person by a public officer in the exercise of his official duties.
To investigate complaints concerning the functioning of the public services commission and the administrative organs of the state.
To educate the public as to human rights and freedoms by such means as the Commissioner may decide.
It is also responsible for investigating instances of alleged or suspected corruption and the misappropriation of public funds (moneys) by officials and takes appropriate action.
APPOINTMENT
The President, in consultation with the Council of State appoints the Commissioner and his two deputies. They are not to hold any other public office while serving their term.
The Commissioner and his deputies enjoy terms and conditions of service as that of the Justice of Court of Appeal and High Court respectively.
They are also supposed to cease to hold office upon attaining the ages of seventy and sixty-five years respectively.
Moreover, where a Commissioner or a deputy dies, resigns or is removed from office, the President shall, acting in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a person qualified to perform those functions until a new Commissioner or deputy is appointed.
HOW A COMPLAINT IS LODGED AT CHRAJ
A written complaint addressed to the commission including name and address of both the petitioner and respondent with postal and residential address and telephone number if any.
The nature of the complaint and all relevant documents should be signed by the complainant or his agent.
Where the complaint is made orally, it shall be reduced into writing by the officer at the registry of the commission or its branch to whom the complaint is made.
The commission has offices in all the Regions and Districts throughout the country. Anyone wishing to lodge a complaint with the commission can do so either orally or submit a written document to any of the offices nearest to his/her locality.
It was therefore passed by parliament and received Presidential assent on July 6, 1993. The Commission consists of a Commissioner and two deputies. The current Commissioner of CHRAJ is Mr. Emile Francis Short and his deputies are: Madam Anna Bossman, in charge of Legal and Investigations and Mr. Richard Ackom Quayson, who is also in charge of Public Education and Anti-corruption.
United Nation has urged states to set up institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights. The 1992 constitution of Ghana however, provides for the establishment of the Commission.
The commission is entrusted to investigate and remedy complaints of the following nature:
To investigate cases of violation of fundamental rights and freedoms, injustice, corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment of any person by a public officer in the exercise of his official duties.
To investigate complaints concerning the functioning of the public services commission and the administrative organs of the state.
To educate the public as to human rights and freedoms by such means as the Commissioner may decide.
It is also responsible for investigating instances of alleged or suspected corruption and the misappropriation of public funds (moneys) by officials and takes appropriate action.
APPOINTMENT
The President, in consultation with the Council of State appoints the Commissioner and his two deputies. They are not to hold any other public office while serving their term.
The Commissioner and his deputies enjoy terms and conditions of service as that of the Justice of Court of Appeal and High Court respectively.
They are also supposed to cease to hold office upon attaining the ages of seventy and sixty-five years respectively.
Moreover, where a Commissioner or a deputy dies, resigns or is removed from office, the President shall, acting in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a person qualified to perform those functions until a new Commissioner or deputy is appointed.
HOW A COMPLAINT IS LODGED AT CHRAJ
A written complaint addressed to the commission including name and address of both the petitioner and respondent with postal and residential address and telephone number if any.
The nature of the complaint and all relevant documents should be signed by the complainant or his agent.
Where the complaint is made orally, it shall be reduced into writing by the officer at the registry of the commission or its branch to whom the complaint is made.
The commission has offices in all the Regions and Districts throughout the country. Anyone wishing to lodge a complaint with the commission can do so either orally or submit a written document to any of the offices nearest to his/her locality.
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