The Public Records and Archive Division (PRAAD) is decrying neglect, saying even though they provided essential services to the nation their operational conditions are poor.
The division says it is forced to operate with some old methods even though there are modern electronic ways of record keeping.
Speaking at an induction program for Officers in the Civil Service, the Head of Training and Research at PRAAD, Emmanuel Kwasi Edzeame said the work of the division was vital in the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) unanimous ruling that Ghana did not violate the rights of Ivory Coast in oil exploration within and beyond 200 nm (nautical miles).
“We provided colonial maps that was evidence that Ghana was working within its limit,” he said.
According to him, the document was one of the reasons why Ghana won the case.
For him, the lawyers could have done little to win the case if PRAAD had badly treated the colonial maps.
This he believes has saved the country millions but they continue to be neglected by government.
He believes there are more better ways they can store documents currently in their possession but they are doing their best with the little they have.
“We just didn’t walk to get those document. We do all this but we get little attention from government but we will keep on pushing till government recognizes the importance of our operation.”
He also advised government officials to always consult the Records Department to access and value documents in their possession before any distraction.
This he believes will help to save essential State documents for future use.
Source: Yaw Osei, Daily Mail GH