He said it was important for the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary to lead the way in that change process.

In his State of the Nation Address to Parliament yesterday, the President said the change that majority of the citizens voted for called for state institutions to inject some urgency into the conduct of their businesses in the interest of the public.

Concerns

The call by President Akufo-Addo came at a time when many people had expressed worry over bureaucratic processes in some state institutions which often lead to waste of contact hours.

Some concerns have also been raised by a section of the public over the concept of “African Time”, by which officials and event organisers report late to functions, only to apologise for a behaviour they are sure to repeat.

The negative attitude towards time has not only affected productivity in state institutions but also set back the socio-economic development of the country.

Punctuality

Against that back drop, President Akufo-Addo urged members of the public to stay away from lateness and be punctual at functions, adding that the notion that lateness to work and public functions was a cultural issue would not be countenanced, especially among public officials.

“Over the years, it has become acceptable practice that official functions invariably start and close late. We invite people to functions for 9 a.m. and start at 10 a.m.

“Let us show that we acknowledge that change has, indeed, come by being punctual to functions. I intend to set a personal example,” he stressed.

Environmental protection

The President also stressed the need for the public to change their attitudes towards sanitation and the environment.

He urged people to be responsible in their activities by adopting better and sustainable habits that would protect and preserve the quality of the environment.

“We are in danger of destroying our blessed country. Ours is a beautiful country. If we claim to love our country, we must take care of the lands, the trees, the water bodies and the animals. They are part of what makes Ghana,” he said.

He observed that continued destruction of the quality of the environment through indiscriminate human activities had the potential to hinder the quality of life of citizens.