GA EAST SCREENS APPLICANTS AS ENUMERATORS FOR 2021 POPULATION AND HOUSING CENSUS

The Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA), Abokobi, has began screening applicants as enumerators for the 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC).

The 2021 Population and Housing Census was launched on 19th March, 2021, by the Vice President of Ghana, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to prepare the citizenry towards the most important national programme of gathering data on the Population and Housing situation in Ghana.

On Friday, 7th May, 2021, the Ga East Municipal Assembly commenced the process leading to the census at the Office premises at Abokobi where over 1,500 applicants are expected to be interviewed, screened and 500 qualified persons selected for the exercise.

In an interview with the Municipal Statistical Officer for the Ga East Municipal Assembly, Mr Iddisah Yeboah Seidu, indicated that the PHC was supposed to take place in 2020 but has been postponed to 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic and they are preparing to carry out the exercise.

Mr Seidu disclosed that the exercise has been divided into different phases and the interviewing of field officers was the first phase.

"This is one phase of the exercises where the field officers will be interviewed and will later go to various homes to interview the people", he said.

He further spoke about the other phases involved in the exercise and the respective dates each phase will be carried out.

"After the interview, there will be training which will start from 31st May, 2021 to 9th June 2021. Following, is the listing phase on 13th June 2021. This is where you will see people go to your homes and write on your  wall with the specific series. On 27th June, 2021, which is the census night, all activities will be organized and announcements will be made. On 28th June 2021 to 11th July, 2021, will be the actual enumeration where field officers will be seen in our homes to take our numbers and other relevant data", he explained.

The Census Officer appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the field officers so their work does not become difficult because the exercise is to their advantage.

"We are pleading that when the officers come around, we cooperate with them  because the exercise is for own good. Most at times, we hear alot of complains about the lack of certain social amenities such as schools, water ,roads in a specific area. We however need data in order to plan and this has to be backed by scientific data for proper planning purposes for the progress of the Municipality", he pleaded.

He however cautioned the field officers to be responsible and desist from any criminal-related activities to acquire information because each person will be held responsible for every information provided.

"No one is supposed to forge information because it can be termed as fraud and you may be prosecuted. Also, you must not disclose any information to a third party", he advised.

The Deputy Director for Ga East Municipal Assembly, Mr Kenneth Daniels, also advised the field officers not to see the exercise as an income-generating venture but put in their best for a successful exercise.

"Do not use this exercise as a means of getting income but rather do diligent work for a successful exercise for the betterment of the Municipality", he said.

He assured the public that the Assembly will do due diligence on the apllicants and select the most qualified for the exercise.