The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has declared a nationwide strike in protest of the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry. The strike, set to begin on Thursday, February 20, 2025, follows concerns raised by the association regarding the infiltration of politically exposed persons into the Civil Service and Local Government institutions.
The decision to embark on industrial action was taken by the National Executive Council (NEC) of CLOGSAG after a meeting on February 11, 2025. According to the council, the appointment of Mr. Botchway represents a growing trend of political interference in the Civil Service, which, they argue, threatens the neutrality and professionalism of these institutions.
In a strongly worded press release issued on February 13, 2025, CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, emphasized that the association had no choice but to take this action. “The National Executive Council (NEC) decided that should Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway assume office as Registrar of Births and Deaths Registry, CLOGSAG should declare a nationwide strike. Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway took office on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The Association has no option but to call for a nationwide strike from Thursday, February 20, 2025,” the statement read.
The association is directing all its members across the country to stay at home from the stated date until further notice. This action is expected to significantly affect operations within the Civil Service, particularly in local government offices, where CLOGSAG members play key administrative roles.
CLOGSAG’s opposition to the appointment stems from its long-standing advocacy for maintaining the independence of the Civil Service. The association argues that appointing individuals with strong political affiliations to key administrative positions compromises the credibility of governance institutions. They believe that such appointments could lead to biased decision-making, undue political influence, and the erosion of the merit-based system that should define public service appointments.
The strike declaration has sparked discussions across various sectors, with many weighing in on the broader implications of political appointments within the Civil Service. Some labor unions and civil society organizations have expressed solidarity with CLOGSAG, emphasizing the need for government institutions to remain apolitical.
Political appointments in the Civil Service have been a contentious issue in Ghana for years, with critics arguing that they undermine the principle of neutrality that is fundamental to public administration. The Ghana Civil Service Act stipulates that appointments should be based on merit, professional qualifications, and experience rather than political considerations. CLOGSAG has consistently called on successive governments to adhere strictly to this principle, warning that failure to do so could weaken public confidence in governance institutions.
The government, however, has defended its appointment of Mr. Botchway, arguing that due process was followed. Supporters of the appointment maintain that he is qualified for the position and that political affiliation should not automatically disqualify individuals from holding public office. Some government officials have also downplayed the impact of the strike, stating that mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that public services continue uninterrupted.
Nonetheless, the strike is expected to cause disruptions, particularly in vital administrative functions such as birth and death registrations, issuance of official documents, and local government operations. The Births and Deaths Registry, which plays a crucial role in documenting vital statistics in the country, may experience significant slowdowns in processing applications and requests.
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While some Ghanaians support CLOGSAG’s stance, viewing it as a necessary step to protect the independence of the Civil Service, others are concerned about the potential impact on essential services. “I understand their concerns, but at the end of the day, the ordinary Ghanaian will suffer. If services at the Births and Deaths Registry are disrupted, it will create a backlog and affect people who need official documentation urgently,” remarked Joseph Osei, a resident of Accra.
Others have urged the government and CLOGSAG to engage in dialogue to resolve the matter without causing undue hardship to the public. “Strikes should be the last resort. I hope both parties can sit down and find a solution quickly,” said Akua Mensah, a business owner in Kumasi.
CLOGSAG has stated that it is open to discussions but insists that the appointment of politically exposed persons into the Civil Service must be reversed. “This is not just about one appointment. It is about a pattern that threatens the neutrality of the Civil Service. If we do not act now, we will set a dangerous precedent,” said a senior CLOGSAG member who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations is expected to intervene in the coming days to facilitate discussions between CLOGSAG and the government. Industry analysts believe that the outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for future public sector appointments and labor relations in Ghana.
As the strike date approaches, all eyes will be on the government’s next move. Will it heed CLOGSAG’s demands and reconsider the appointment, or will it stand firm and risk prolonged disruptions in public service delivery? The coming days will determine whether a resolution can be reached or whether Ghana will witness yet another prolonged standoff between labor unions and the government.
For now, CLOGSAG members remain resolute, with many stating that they will not return to work until their concerns are addressed. The government, on the other hand, faces the challenge of maintaining essential services while addressing the grievances of one of the country’s most influential labor unions. The situation remains fluid, and Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how it unfolds.
