Mr Alhassan Azong, Minister of State at the Presidency responsible for Public Sector Reform, on Thursday launched the Africa Union Public Service Day celebration in Accra. The celebration, which will start from Monday June 17, to Sunday June 23, is on the theme: “Africa Public Service in the age of open government: Giving voice to citizens”. Mr Azong said the Africa Public Service Day has its roots in the declaration of the first Pan African conference of Ministers of Public Service held in Morocco in 1994 and it is being celebrated by the Africa Union on June 23 of every year. He said the celebration of the day is aimed at creating avenues for the exchange of experiences, innovations, ideas and good practices in governance and public administration while enhancing professionalism and motivating public servants to promote innovation in the public service. According to Mr Azong, the celebration also sought to reward excellence and innovative practices in public service, raised the image of the service and enhance trust in government. “The celebration this year will therefore help to explore, share knowledge and experience about the new innovations, policies and practices for rejuvenating public administration and efficient service delivery of public services for all societies in Africa,” he said. Some of the programmes lined-up for the celebration include the opening ceremony by President John Dramani Mahama, exhibition by both public and private sector from Ghana and other African countries. There will also be plenary sessions with speakers from the African continent to discuss several topics like access to information in the public service and enhancing accountability, transparency and integrity in public service in Africa. The foreign dignitaries would also be visiting some of Ghana’s tourist sites like the Cape Coast Castle and the Kakum National Park. There will also be a health walk, health screening for all participants as well as awards for the winners of the All Africa Public Service Innovation during the closing ceremony.