Accra: The National Executive Council of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) is scheduled to convene on Saturday, February 22, to assess the ongoing strike action initiated by the association.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, stated in an interview that members should maintain their participation in the strike until a new directive is issued. CLOGSAG commenced a nationwide strike on Thursday to protest against the continued tenure of Samuel Adom Botchway at the Births and Deaths Registry, which the government had previously committed to replacing.
The association expressed dissatisfaction over Mr. Botchway's involvement in a budget hearing at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs on February 17, 2025, indicating his continued presence in office. A statement signed by Mr. Addo emphasized that the strike would persist unless CLOGSAG's grievances were addressed.
CLOGSAG has argued that appointing politically affiliated individuals to the Civil Service contravenes the neutrality principle outlined in the Constitution and supported by a 2017 Supreme Court ruling. The ruling specifies that civil servants should not participate in partisan politics and politicians should refrain from placing civil servants in politically influenced positions.
The Association claims that Mr. Botchway, identified as a National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist, is unfit for his role. CLOGSAG has pledged to maintain its 'neutrality project' to prevent political interference in the Civil Service, citing past challenges to similar appointments.
During Saturday's meeting, the Council will evaluate recent developments and determine the subsequent course of action, according to Mr. Addo. Meanwhile, the Government has called on CLOGSAG to reconsider its decision and resume work.
Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, urged CLOGSAG to end the strike during a press conference on Wednesday, asserting that the President's appointment of Mr. Adom Botchway was appropriate.
