The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has organised a training workshop to educate staff on Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), anger management and the importance of employee well-being in improving workplace productivity.

The training, held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 focused on how personal challenges, emotional distress and uncontrolled anger can affect employees’ relationships, performance and contribution to the Assembly.

Speaking on EAPs, the facilitator for the day, Mr. Emmanuel Acquah, Esq., explained that employees are among the most valuable assets of any organisation and that their welfare and development are essential to its growth.

He noted that although employees may possess the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities to perform their duties, personal and emotional challenges can prevent them from reaching their full potential. He added that psychological distress can affect attendance, concentration, motivation and productivity.

Mr. Acquah explained that EAPs provide guidance, support, advice and assistance to employees facing difficulties that may affect their well-being and work performance. He identified emotional and mental health support, short-term counselling, crisis intervention, work-life balance services, parenting guidance, and legal and financial wellness support as areas covered by EAPs.

He emphasised the need for organisations to prioritise the welfare of both employees and management, noting that people are central to achieving organisational objectives. He encouraged the Assembly to recognise employee assistance as a strategic intervention for improving staff well-being and organisational performance.

The training also focused on anger management as an important aspect of EAPs. Mr. Acquah Esq. explained that anger is a natural emotion experienced by everyone, but how individuals respond to it can affect their relationships and professional conduct.

He encouraged staff to identify situations that trigger anger, understand their reactions and adopt appropriate ways of managing their emotions. Employees were also urged to address disagreements calmly and respectfully rather than allow conflicts to escalate.

Practical anger management techniques discussed included thinking before speaking, taking a few moments to reflect before reacting, breathing deeply, taking a time-out and practicing positive self-talk. Staff were encouraged to apply these techniques when interacting with colleagues, supervisors and subordinates to promote respectful communication and healthier workplace relationships.

The session further highlighted that uncontrolled anger can affect teamwork and lead to behaviour that contravenes the Assembly’s conditions of service and code of conduct. Mr. Acquah encouraged participants to share their experiences and welcomed the use of local languages, including Ga and Twi, to ensure everyone could participate comfortably.

The Head of Human Resources at the AMA, Madam Evelyn Owusu also encouraged employees to take their annual leave seriously and prioritise their health. She suggested that only one person from a unit should proceed on leave at a time, rather than having two employees from the same unit take leave simultaneously, to help maintain the smooth running of work.

The programme forms part of the Assembly’s capacity-building efforts to strengthen staff development, promote employee well-being and encourage a more productive and supportive working environment.