People & Lifestyle

Guest Blog: Is religion becoming Ghana’s new parliament?

Published

1 year ago

February 6, 2023

When religion begins to influence policies that affect every single person, then there is a problem. Religious beliefs are private and personal, but laws are not,” says Alex Kofi Donkor.

There is a fierce battle currently raging in Ghana. Civil society and human rights organisations are clawing hard to prevent what some describe as a takeover of parliament by conservative religious actors.

At the centre of this growing union between religion and state lie dilemmas between freedom of belief and association and protection from abuse.

Religion plays no official role in secular Ghana, but there is no denying the impact it has on Ghanaian culture. With over 70% of the population identifying as Christian and over 17% professing Islam, Ghana is one of the most religious countries in Sub-Sahara Africa.

“Since the coming into force of the 1992 constitution, when you look at our political landscape and you look at our electioneering campaigns, I can say without fear of contradiction that religion has played a critical role, from campaigning to sloganeering, and that’s because the people are very religious” notes Kwaku Agyemang-Budu, a constitutional lawyer and law lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)

While Article 21 of Ghana’s constitution guarantees the “freedom to practice any religion and to manifest such practice,” Article 56 makes clear that “Parliament shall have no power to enact a law to establish or authorise the establishment of a body or movement with the right or power to impose on the people of Ghana a common programme or a set of objectives of a religious or political nature.”

Despite this constitutional protection, Ghana’s secular status has increasingly come under pressure in recent years with religious groups, most vocally Christians, pushing their reach into government affairs.

In 2019, the Ghana Education Service (GES), which operates under the Ministry of Education, introduced new guidelines on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) for local schools. Educational authorities said the new policy “held the key to effective sexuality education for the youth and aimed to reduce teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases” according to the head of public relations at the GES Cassandra Twum Ampofo.

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Although the GES maintained that the policy was meant to empower children with relevant knowledge on sexuality to overcome sexual harassment and make informed decisions, opponents of the policy argued that the introduction of sex education at a tender age would expose children to sexual immorality. Faith-based institutions and the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights led the charge against these proposed reforms.

The GES and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), the state body that developed the new proposed curriculum, insisted that condemnation of the guidelines was misplaced and reasserted their importance amid a rise in teenage pregnancies and sexual harassment cases. The GES eventually withdrew the policy, and it was never implemented.

In a similar clash between religion and educational policy, two students with dreadlocks in Ghana’s capital Accra were denied admission into a senior high school on the basis of their hairstyle in March 2021. School authorities claimed dreadlocks were not permitted under its rules, but the students’ parents insisted that keeping dreads is part of professing their Rastafari faith. A human rights court eventually ordered the school to admit the students, ruling that failure to do so was a violation of their human rights to education and dignity.

A month before the dreadlocks saga, an office space belonging to the sexual minority advocacy group LGBT+ Rights Ghana was shut down after it was raided by police in the company of MPs and religious leaders.

In June that year, a group of Christian MPs submitted an anti-LGBTQ+ Bill titled ‘The Promotion of Proper Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021’, stirring debate about whether the activities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons should be criminalized. Religious groups, particularly the Christian community, threatened to vote out MPs who did not support the Bill.

Arguments supporting the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill assert the activities of LGBTQ+ persons go“against our culture”, but historical records, including landmark research conducted by anthropologist James Christenson in the 1950s, establish that men who have sex with men were an integral, but obscured, part of Ghanaian culture and sexual relations in pre-colonial times.

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Sub-caption: Christian Clerics in Ghana Organise National Prayer Against LGBT+ persons

Homosexuality is not the only social topic receiving conservative backlash in Ghana today. “Indecent dressing” and certain hairstyles are regularly blamed on the West and ostracized as not being a part of Ghanaian culture.

Such assertions are often made from the perspective of religion, ironically from religions that originated in the West or Middle East.

“The challenge when it comes to faith-based policymaking is, who then becomes the yardstick?” asks Kojo Mensah, a human rights and policy expert with Wayamo Foundation Africa. “Even within major religions there are sects with varying doctrines that do not agree. When creating laws, the principle of the common man must be applied. If the law is only for one group, then it is not for the common man. So when these laws are applied and people use guilt to trip others based on their Bible or Quran, it is dangerous.”

“As we speak, the country is divided over the building of a national cathedral” said Mensah, referring to the government’s proposal to build an ecumenical centre for inter-denominational Christian worship in Accra. “Now imagine if the Muslims also want a state-sponsored mosque, and the traditionalists also ask for a national shrine.”

Ghana’s president Akufo-Addo announced the cathedral plans in 2017 to mixed reactions. Some applauded the proposal while a vast majority of the population thought money for the project should be used for other developmental projects.

In December 2022, the president defended the project, saying it would serve as a “place of thanksgiving and rallying point for the entire Christian community of Ghana, which represents 70% plus of the country’s population.” He likened those who oppose the project to the biblical figures Sanballat and Tobias (opponents of the Jews who tried to stop the prophet Nehemiah from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem).

President Afuko-Addo added that he respects opponents’ right to differ but maintains “confidence in the vast number of enthusiastic supporters whose spiritual dimension is limitless.”

Work on the $400 million Cathedral project, which was initially due to be completed by March 2024, has halted, with its fate hanging in the balance.

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Sub caption: Aerial view of national cathedral site under construction

In the midst of this ambitious project is an ailing economy. Ghana’s annual inflation rate exceeded 50% in 2022, the highest in decades. Many groups have called for the cathedral project, now embroiled in a corruption scandal over misappropriation of funds, to be ceased, saying it is a needless expense when the country is still reeling from the aftereffects of COVID-19 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

“Ghanaians are suffering excruciating hardship and do not need the scarce state funds accrued from taxing them to be used for funding fanciful frivolities that President Akufo-Addo considers his priority of priorities” says Selorm Dzramado, leader of Justice for Ghana, a pressure group that has been at the forefront of the campaign to stop the project.

Religious influences are blurring the lines that define Ghana’s secularity in other areas as well. Agyemang-Budu thinks the encroachment of religion into national affairs is an issue that can only be managed but cannot be entirely done away with.

“Yes, we are indeed a secular state as captured in Article 56 of the 1992 Constitution, we are not a religious state. But even that line is not clear. For instance, the same constitution saying we are a secular state has its preamble starting with ‘in the name of the Almighty God’, and so even though we are a secular state, the people themselves are heavily religious, and it permeates every facet of our national lives,” Agyemang-Budu said.

The role of religion in Ghana’s national affairs cannot be overemphasized. According to Agyemang-Budu, “it may be responsible for how far the country has come in maintaining relative peace and security compared to its counterparts in the West Africa sub-region”.

But security analysts are sceptical about the sustainability of this peace and security owing to growing unemployment and economic hardships, which some are predicting will lead to increased crime and violence.

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Policy experts are worried that religiously motivated policies like the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill may lead to loss of funding from international development organisations and make Ghana less attractive for foreign direct investment, further exacerbating the country’s economic woes and derailing its overall development.

So will this marriage of religion and politics in Ghana sustain, and for how long? With growing pressure from global human right mechanisms like the UN Universal Periodic Review calling on Ghana to protect the rights of marginalised groups including gender and sexual minorities, can the state uphold the rights of minorities while guaranteeing the majority population’s right to their religious beliefs?

“When religion begins to influence policies that affect every single person, then there is a problem. Religious beliefs are private and personal, but laws are not,” says Alex Kofi Donkor, a human rights activist and leader of LGBT+ Rights Ghana.

“Although most Ghanaians identify as religious people, the state must remain secular. Insistence on the secularity of the state should not be construed as a declaration of war on religion, it is rather to chart the path for future continued peace sustained through tolerance, diversity, and a strict adherence to state laws that benefit everyone” concludes Dr. Agyemang-Budu.

About the writer

Solomon Terkimbi Akumun known professionally as Solomon Ter, is a Radio presenter and Producer for Asaase Radio in Accra. He is also a culture enthusiast, writer, researcher and Law scholar with over 7 years of experience in communications, justice advocacy, media and PR, academic research and brand consultancy. He’s currently the host of Accra-Lagos-Joburg on Asaase Radio 99.5mhz, a Pan-African radio show that connects Africa through music, people and culture. Twitter: @LordTer995 Instagram: @solomonter_

People & Lifestyle

Exploring 7gamesbet’s Cutting-Edge Mobile Platform: A Paradigm of Convenience and Flexibility

Published

12 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Today, the online world of gaming is always changing and accessibility and mobility for people in the pursuit of on-the-go entertaining has been a top factor. Consequently, 7games now offers the latest mobile platform, which is on the top of the game. In this blog article, we will go into the details of the mobile gambling platforms offered by 7gamesbet, finding about the amazing features they have to offer and what a source of pleasure they are for the players.

Seamless User Experience

The key factor that makes 7gamesbet’s mobile platform so valuable is the in-built commitment to provide a seamless user experience. The platform is developed to fit the customers’ devices well. In addition, the interface is well designed so customers can navigate intuitively. Whether it is browsing through numerous game catalogues to modifying your account settings, each aspect of the mobile platform is tailored to attain maximum efficiency.

Responsive Design

7gamesbet’s mobile platform shines brightly with its standout feature: RWD. This invention let the platform to automatically adapt to any device in terms of its orientation or screen size no matter what and still deliver the immersive gaming experience that makes it outstanding. Whenever you switch from a smartphone to a tablet, the interface automatically adjusts right there to give you the best-possible viewing and interaction experience. Therefore, with the 7gamesbet platform, players not only can enjoy the whole viewing experience with all the details in high-definition, but also can experience the elastic and sensitive touch of interactive games. The flexibility of virtual reality helps players to concentrate on their gaming experience without any disturbance and fully immerse in the action. Whether you’re engaged in intense gaming sessions or casually enjoying your favorite titles on the go, 7gamesbet’s responsive design ensures that the thrill of gameplay remains unhindered, regardless of the device you choose to play on.

Extensive Game Library

The 7gamesbet platform has a rich collection of games from a variety of genres. Be it the classical casino staples like blackjack or roulette that stir your interest, or the advance of slots with adrenaline that you crave, the platform guarantees to have something to completely thrill every gamer. The wide variety of games available allows players to experience different styles and wins, providing the players with an ample source of entertainment all the time. As an addition, 7gamesbet sticks to providing a unique and fresh experience for its players by incorporating new games. This, in turn, allows for ever-lasting entertainment.

On the platform, everything goes from the classics to the innovations. The catalog is constantly growing and it guarantees that everything new and tasty is always to be expected. Whether you are a hardcore gamer who has been hooked on online gaming for a long time, or you are into gaming since a few months, the mobile version of 7gamesbet beckons you on an adventure ride complete with excitement and diverse games.

Instant Play

The mobile version of 7gamesbet is one that is hassle-free for its players, with instant access provided to the loved games. You can start playing a game with one tap of your device at any time while you are on the go. Irrespective of the bus stop, work break, or your home leisure, 7gamesbet’s engaging world is just a click away from you. Revel in the gameplay with no delays nor breaks while you optimize your time spent on leisure to the maximum. The mobile platform of the 7gamesbet gives you the freedom to play anytime and anywhere you go. The adventure of the gaming is always within reach.

Secure Transactions

The security at 7gamesbet is seriously taken into consideration in the development of the mobile platform. No matter whether you are depositing funds to the account or withdrawing your winnings, you can be confident that all your transactions are secure and secured at the same time. The presence of different payment modes, such as credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets, enables customers the privilege to make their payments in the most convenient manner they prefer.

Personalized Notifications

Whenever it comes to winning an extra bonus to your favorite game or discovering a limited time sale, you are guaranteed to be immediately notified through the applications or messages on your phone. This, therefore, means that there is no time that a customer would get out of the loop and take advantage of the best deals that exist.

24/7 Customer Support

Even if someday encounter problems while playing 7gamesbet via mobile devices, it will take no time to find the solution as everything is at the fingertips. The platform provides around the clock customer service, letting customers contact the competent and amicable team of representatives. Regardless of the issue, the support is readily available to provide the solutions as a go.

Conclusion:

The 7gamesbet innovative mobile platform is acting as a benchmark and is redefining user experience in online gaming due to its high level of convenience and flexibility. The platform has managed to deliver an uninterrupted experience for players, with a wide selection of games and an effective security system that caters to the exquisite taste of the modern players. For a highly advanced gamer or also a new guest in the online casinos, 7gamesbet’s mobile platform provides an exceptional and appealing experience that is absolutely extraordinary.

People & Lifestyle

Cross-Promoting Your Twitch Stream Across Social Media Platforms

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Sharing your Twitch stream on different social media sites is a smart way to get more people to watch and interact with you. Each platform has its own special features, so using them together can make your promotion plan stronger. Let’s see how you can make your Twitch stream stand out everywhere online.

1. Understand Each Platform’s Strengths

Each social media platform has unique features and user demographics, making it crucial to tailor your content to suit each one:

Twitter is ideal for quick updates, engaging with viewers through tweets, and using relevant hashtags.
Instagram can be used to post visually appealing images or clips from your streams, and Stories to engage users daily.
Facebook allows for longer form content, making it suitable for sharing schedule updates, longer videos, and creating community groups.
YouTube is perfect for posting highlights from your streams or entire archived streams, which can help attract viewers who prefer on-demand content.

2. Create Platform-Specific Content

While itâ€™s tempting to post the same content across all platforms, customization can increase your content’s effectiveness. For example:

Use Twitter to engage in trending gaming topics by using hashtags.
On Instagram, post high-quality images and short videos, perhaps even behind-the-scenes content, to give a more personal touch.
Use Facebookâ€™s event features to schedule and promote upcoming streams or gaming events.
On YouTube, besides streaming, post edited videos or tutorials which can help in attracting a different subset of viewers who are looking for tips or gameplay strategies.

3. Engage Regularly and Strategically

Interacting with people on your posts can make them show up more on social media. Answer comments, talk with people, and ask them questions to make it feel like a group. Also, think about when most people are online and post at those times to get more attention.
Once you’ve got a good handle on engagement and interactions, check out our website for more information on how to boost your Twitch live viewership to complement your marketing efforts.

4. Utilize Cross-Promotional Tools and Partnerships

Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer can help manage posts across different platforms, making it easier to maintain a consistent posting schedule. Collaborating with other streamers or influencers can also broaden your reach. Consider guest appearances on each otherâ€™s streams or co-hosting events, which can introduce you to each other’s audiences.

5. Monitor Your Progress and Adapt

Use analytics tools provided by social media platforms to track the effectiveness of your promotional strategies. Look for patterns in what types of content perform best and adjust your strategy accordingly. This continuous loop of feedback and adaptation will help you refine your approach to social media promotion.

6. Drive Traffic with Paid Promotions

Investing in paid promotions can be a fast track to increased visibility. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer targeted advertising options that can help you reach a specific audience. Even a small budget can lead to significant growth in viewer numbers if used wisely.

By employing these strategies, you can effectively and safely cross-promote your Twitch stream across multiple social media platforms, each adding a layer of engagement and exposure, culminating in a comprehensive digital presence that captivates and grows your audience. For those looking to boost their Twitch viewers, consider the services offered by Top4SMM.com. They provide targeted solutions to enhance viewer count and engagement on your Twitch channel.

People & Lifestyle

Dubai-Based Citizenship Firm Imperial Citizenship Expands to Lagos, Targets Africa’s Growing Wealth

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Imperial Citizenship, a Dubai-based firm specialising in Citizenship and Residency by Investment (CRBI) solutions, has set its sights on Africa’s burgeoning wealth with the launch of a new office in Lagos, Nigeria.

This strategic move positions Imperial Citizenship to capitalise on the continent’s growing population of high net worth individuals (HNWIs) seeking international investment and mobility options.

Imperial Citizenship boasts a proven track record of success, having secured over 2,000 approvals for clients seeking alternative citizenship and residency pathways. Their partnerships with over 15 governments worldwide provide a diverse portfolio of investment opportunities that adhere to strict international regulations.

With its Lagos launch, Imperial Citizenship begins its foray into Africa. The continent boasts a burgeoning HNWI population, according to PwC, presenting a lucrative market for investment firms like Imperial Citizenship.

According to the World Bank, African economies are projected to grow by 3.4 % in 2024 as the African Development Bank Africa has reported that Africa will account for eleven of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024.Highlighting the market’s potential, Mr. Zaid Al Hindi, Founder and CEO of Imperial Citizenship, says, “our expansion into Lagos allows us to directly cater to this affluent segment, offering them strategic solutions for global asset diversification, optimised investment opportunities, and enhanced global mobility.”

“At Imperial Citizenship, we do not operate through intermediaries, as we differentiate ourselves through direct government partnerships. This ensures transparency, legality, and efficiency throughout the application process, providing peace of mind for investment-minded clients” Zaid stated during the launch event in Lagos.

Speaking on the company’s approach to CRBI, Zaid mentioned, “At Imperial Citizenship, we prioritise a client-centric approach. We go beyond simply offering programs; we provide dedicated advisors who understand the unique needs and aspirations of each client. This personalised service ensures clients receive tailored investment options that align with their financial goals and risk tolerance”.

The launch of the Lagos office underscores Imperial Citizenship’s commitment to global expansion. With physical offices in Dubai and now Nigeria as well as operational representatives in Mexico, Algeria, and Turkey, Imperial Citizenship demonstrates its ability to cater to a geographically diverse clientele.

Looking ahead, Zaid highlighted that Imperial Citizenship plans to broaden its service offerings and expand its reach into new markets. By strategically targeting Africa’s rising wealth, Imperial Citizenship is well-positioned to solidify its role as a leading player in the CRBI industry, offering investors a gateway to global opportunities.

People & Lifestyle

Freeman Sorsis: From Cultural Inspiration to a Fitness Entrepreneur

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Freeman Amegashie, known more commonly across social media platforms as Freeman Sorsis, is a seasoned procurement practitioner, gifted dancer, and adept event organizer by his multiple professions. He hails from Keta in the Volta Region of Ghana, a place that he owes much of his cultural inspiration and ethos. Yet, the stream of Freeman’s life has surprisingly flowed into the territory of fitness, galvanising him to pioneer and advance his fitness enterprise known prominently as Loyce Fitness.

Throughout the course of Freeman’s multifarious professional journey, he served in esteemed positions where his leadership was pivotal for growth and development. He was the enlightening beacon that guided the path for EnergeticTymlez, now flourishing under the banner of DWP dance academy. Freeman’s acumen wasn’t just limited to organizations, he also played an influential role in the nascent days of dancing prowess, Demzy Baye, by promoting and coaching him under the Loyce Dance Crew in Ho.

Despite the enticing allure of his previous endeavours, Freeman found his true passion and dedication nestled within fostering fitness and well-being. LoyceFitness, Freeman’s brainchild, has unfurled a new era in physical training, making its mark in preparing individuals for intensely challenging military boot camps. Conscious of the mental fortitude required to survive these rigorous regimens, Freeman’s teaching methods extend beyond physical steps to encompass optimal mental health.

LoyceFitness is a testament of Freeman’s commitment to educate and influence, especially, the youth in maintaining physical and mental fitness, the essence of optimal health. Freeman’s vision isn’t just limited to his company; it resonates with his belief in the power of a healthy lifestyle, marking it out as a way of life rather than a mere trend to follow.

Freeman’s contagious passion for fitness and well-being spread over and gained recognition from an impressive number of notable individuals and organizations. One such prominent collaboration was with Wode Maya, where he worked to translate his fitness principles into a broader audience appeal. Freeman’s foray into the glamour world made a splash when he collaborated with the Miss Tourism Ghana Beauty Pageant, which he continues to work with till date.

His relentless dedication led him to engage with another esteemed organization, the Face of Volta Beauty Pageant. His prowess and commitment to fitness were called upon by the 8th Parliament of Ghana NDC Women Caucus, drawing him deeper into the political sphere. The Ghana Customs Service Academy, too, harnessed Freeman’s expertise, tapping into his unique blend of professional acumen and passion for fitness to train their personnel.

Extending his reach into the sports industry, Freeman forged an alliance with the Ghana Badminton Association. However, the shining jewel of his collaborations was with the esteemed Former Minister of State Hon. Doyoe Kudjoe GHANSAH and Hon. Nii Layea Emmanuel. These partnerships not only shaped Freeman’s career but also cemented LoyceFitness’s reputation in the fitness industry.

Before I hang my pen, Freeman Amegashie’s journey is a testament of unwavering dedication to health and fitness. A dancer, event organizer and procurement practitioner turned fitness enthusiast, he charted his unique path with steadfast determination and vision. His story serves as a source of inspiration, especially for the youth, encouraging them towards a lifestyle of mental, physical and overall optimal health. It’s undeniable that Freeman’s life is an epitome of the belief that true passion, more often than not, leads to purposeful living.

Follow on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@LoyceFitness?si=vidEXgmk3F-fmTdn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/vrRcFav1U6sSgoVd/?

People & Lifestyle

Divine Wayne and Kashcpt Unveil Empowering Anthem “Free Dem Boys”

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Divine Wayne and Kashcpt, two of the most dynamic voices in contemporary hip-hop, are set to electrify the music scene with their latest collaboration, “Free Dem Boys”. This highly anticipated single, promises to be a rallying cry for justice and empowerment.

In “Free Dem Boys”, Divine Wayne and Kashcpt harness the power of their lyricism to shed light on pressing social issues, particularly the unjust incarceration of individuals within marginalized communities. Through thought-provoking verses and a captivating beat, the duo delivers a message of resilience, solidarity, and the unwavering quest for freedom. “This song is more than just music; it’s a movement,” says Divine Wayne.

“We’re using our platform to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced by systemic injustices. ‘Free Dem Boys’ is a call to action, urging listeners to join us in the fight for justice and equality.”Kashcpt echoes this sentiment, stating, “Music has the power to ignite change and inspire hope.

With ‘Free Dem Boys’, we aim to spark conversations, raise awareness, and drive positive transformation in our communities. This is more than just a song—it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.”

“Free Dem Boys” will be available on all major streaming platforms

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/divinewayne2/free-dem-boys-feat-kashcpt

Follow Divine Wayne on Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divine_wayne_/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Divine_Wayne__

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divinewayne

People & Lifestyle

Designing Effective Performance Management Systems: Best Practices and Strategies

Published

1 day ago

April 30, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Today, we conclude a 5-part series on one of our highly recommended strategies for driving a culture of peak performance – The Evolution of Performance and Impact Measurement. Previously, we discussed Performance Management Systems as a Catalyst for Continuous Improvement and How To Implement Effective Performance Management Systems.

Designing Effective Performance Management Systems: Best Practices and Strategies

No two organizations are the same. Whilst there may be a great deal of similarities in the broader sense, the specific variables are always distinct. The objectives may be similar but the methodology cannot be parallel. In designing effective performance management systems, leaders must take into account the similarities and differences, points of convergence and divergence, assets and liabilities, strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats that the organization is exposed to. The strategic design of a performance management system is critical because if the fundamentals are flawed, the outcomes will inevitably be flawed. It’s like trying to use a crooked stick to draw straight lines. It becomes even more critical for large organizations where they are much complex spans of control. Overall, the following themes must be represented in designing an effective performance management system

A. Clearly Defined Expectations

In jurisprudence, it is said that “where there is no law, there is no sin”. This means amongst other things that as leaders, we cannot hold a person to account for a task we didn’t intentionally assign to such person. There are many cases where employees take initiative and do things without being asked; whilst that is great – it should be the exception and not the rule. The overarching corporate vision of an organization should ensure that tasks are assigned to a person, a team, a department, or a board. This allows everyone on the team to channel their creative energies to achieving those objectives. Setting expectations should be done in concert with each responsible officer to orient them not only on what drives productivity but the why the responsibility is critical to the vision of the organization. The metrics of success should also be clearly spelt out so that everyone can constantly undertake a self-assessment and take cognisance of any departure from the agreed objectives. These expectations should be firm enough to instil accountability yet flexible enough to accommodate exigencies.

B. Ensure Periodic Monitoring

After specifying expectations, assignments and projects should be monitored regularly. Intermittent interventions and interrogation should be a feature of effective performance management systems. This is where leaders move from what is expected to what is inspected. From experience, it’s not always what is expected that gets done but what is inspected. Monitoring isn’t mere observation, it’s involves providing feedback, conducting interviews to ascertain the other person’s point of view and comparing interim results with expected objectives to know whether to continue, pivot or abort the task. Monitoring on the one hand is to minimize liability and on the other hand to regulate behaviour. Many successful organizations don’t allow the mass production of commodity without achieving a minimum viable product. A minimum viable product is achieved when management has monitored the dynamics of a product and is satisfied that it can be presented to its external stakeholders, especially the customers.

C. Meet Employees’ Developmental Needs

An ineffective approach to leadership is to demand productivity without addressing the developmental needs of the employee. Training, promotion, provision of necessary tools and information are responses to a developmental need. Laziness stems from an unwillingness to perform a task but incompetence is the inability to perform the task. It is possible for an employee to have the willingness to be productive but lack the ability to be productive. That is why training is an indispensable feature of any effective performance management system to improve competence levels. A performance management system should not take a punitive approach but a partnership approach that makes the leader just as interested in the productivity and progress of the team member.

D. Conduct Appraisals

Appraisals are a more formal, detailed and objective feedback. It’s not just conversations but an attempt to represent productivity in qualitative or quantitative terms. This makes leaders use performance management systems to regularly provide assessments to the employee. It’s for evaluation as it is for comparison. It helps to know which employees are putting in the work and getting with the programme. It also helps management know if a particular employee is improving against their previous output by juxtaposing employee results and drawing a graph of their performance. Appraisals explain the correlation between outcomes and expectations, it’s a summary of how an employee’s actions have contributed to an organization’s corporate vision.

E. Implement A Fair Reward System

Hopefully, the appraisals show that an employee is productive – when that is the case, there must be an intentional and significant reciprocity towards that person from management. Desirable behaviour and outcomes should be reinforced so that the benefits that accrued from it serves as motivation for an employee. These rewards can both be formal and informal such as promotion, increased salary or bonus, paid vacations, awards, a commendation letter, a public acknowledgement of performance like the employee of the month or year, contract renegotiation etc. The reverse is also true, a performance management system is used by leaders to identify underperforming or grossly unproductive employees.

Growth Opportunities

To further position your leaders for peak performance, you can download a free copy of the latest edition of The Peak Performer Magazine You can also enrol your Mid-level Leadership Team for the Made4More Accelerator Program and your Senior Leadership Team for the Dr. Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp MOMBASA 2024 We also have an upcoming training for leaders in public service

About Dr. Abiola Salami

Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of Dr Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp and The Peak Performer^TM. He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach his team on hello@abiolachamp.com and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms.