Ghana Standards Authority to establish consultancy using services of retirees
Professor Alex Dodoo, Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), has announced plans to engage the services of retired staff of the organisation on a contractual basis to establish a standalone consultancy in the area of standards, metrology and conformity assessment.
Speaking at a day’s forum organised by the Authority for about 60 retirees, Prof Dodoo said the Authority was in the process of setting up the consultancy, using the services of retirees.
He said that continuing to work after retiring is an attractive option for many reasons, adding, “Continuing to work in your industry, but in a relatively relaxed manner is an ideal way to stay occupied, have an income, and balance out your retirement.
“Your wealth of experience, combined with a higher level of personal maturity and accountability, makes you an invaluable resource. With your experience in the workforce, there should be a way for you to contribute your expertise while still making the most out of your retirement,” he added.
“Independent consulting is a great solution that many retirees are turning to. It gives you the ability to hone in on a specialty area of focus, pursue projects that you care about and gives you the flexibility of working fewer hours. You can work as much or as little as you like so you still have time to pursue your leisure interests”.
The Director-General pledged to operate an open door and all inclusive policy which would involve input from the retirees.
Meanwhile, he said the retirees would soon be issued unique identity cards to enable them visit GSA facilities without any hindrance. He assured them that the Open Day programme would be sustained.
Dr Akwasi Achampong, Chairman of the GSA Board of Governors, on his part cited the example of how the Israeli Standards Authority had set up a thriving stand-alone consultancy, mainly using the services of former employees.
He shared his conviction that a similar move would be mutually beneficial to the Authority and the retirees in Ghana.
The organisation, he said would benefit immensely from the knowledge and experience of the retirees, while they would in turn benefit financially and also get an opportunity to keep them reasonably active.
The feel good factor, he noted was very helpful for human development.
As part of the main agenda, Mr Nimo Ahinkorah, a former Executive Director, spoke on the topic “Life after Retirement.”
Mrs Elizabeth H. Adetola, a former, Deputy Executive Director, Core Services ,made a power point presentation on the topic, “The importance of a Standards Council”, while Mr Eugene Adarkwa-Addae, a former, Deputy Executive Director, Operations addressed the issue of “Utilising the experience of retired staff to augment the work of GSA.
Dr. Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, GSA Standards Ambassador, spoke on “How GSA can be marketable at the International and Local Market”.
The event was attended by the top hierarchy of the organisation, including the three Deputy Director-General’s – Mr Kofi Nagatey, Operations, Mr Charles Amoako, Conformity Assessment and Dr Poku Adusei, General Services.
They all took turns in addressing the retirees by way of Optional Speeches.
Current staff members comprising directors and heads of departments also participated in the event.
Source: GNA