The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has firmly rejected the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment’s request to call off its ongoing strike. The strike, which began on Thursday, February 20, 2025, was declared in response to CLOGSAG’s opposition to the continued tenure of Samuel Adom Botchwey as Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry.
Addressing the press in Accra on Saturday, February 22, CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, reiterated that the Ministry’s appeal lacked merit and contravened the association’s principles. He emphasized that the association’s statutes prohibit politically exposed persons from holding key positions within civil service institutions, making the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchwey unacceptable.
“After deliberating on the request to call off the strike, the national executive council was unanimous on the following: that the strike should continue, that the request by the Honourable Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment lacks a roadmap for the resolution of the matter,” Bampoe Addo stated. He further asserted that the strike would persist until the concerns of CLOGSAG were adequately addressed.
He stressed that politically exposed persons should not be allowed to serve in the Civil Service or the Local Government Service, citing fairness and adherence to administrative principles. “As long as all politically exposed persons within the Civil Service and Local Government Services are sanctioned and unilaterally have their appointments terminated, it would not be fair for politically exposed persons to be appointed into the Civil Service and the Local Government Service,” he added.
The strike action has significantly affected administrative functions across various governmental institutions, with many public sector workers joining the protest in solidarity with CLOGSAG. Employees at multiple regional and district offices have halted work, causing delays in essential services such as the processing of official documents, the issuance of permits, and other administrative functions.
Despite the Ministry’s efforts to resolve the impasse, CLOGSAG remains adamant that the government must take decisive action to uphold the integrity of civil service appointments. Bampoe Addo insisted that negotiations must result in concrete resolutions rather than vague promises. He criticized what he described as a pattern of political interference in civil service appointments, arguing that such actions undermine professionalism and neutrality within the sector.
The government, on the other hand, has expressed concerns about the economic and administrative impact of the ongoing strike. Sources within the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment indicate that efforts are being made to engage CLOGSAG leadership in further discussions to find an amicable solution. However, as of now, no clear agreement has been reached.
Meanwhile, several labor unions and advocacy groups have voiced their support for CLOGSAG, calling on the government to respect the principles of neutrality and professionalism in civil service appointments. Some have urged the Ministry to reconsider its approach and ensure that all appointments strictly adhere to merit-based criteria rather than political affiliations.
As the strike enters its second week, many Ghanaians are beginning to feel the effects, particularly in accessing government services. Businesses requiring official documentation have reported delays, while citizens seeking administrative approvals have faced significant inconveniences.
Political analysts suggest that the standoff between CLOGSAG and the government could have broader implications, especially in the lead-up to the next general elections. The issue of politically motivated appointments has been a long-standing concern in Ghana’s governance system, with many advocating for stronger institutional safeguards to prevent undue political influence.
CLOGSAG’s firm stance signals that the association is prepared for a prolonged standoff unless the government meets its demands. Bampoe Addo has assured members that the leadership remains committed to protecting the interests of civil and local government workers and will not back down until the necessary changes are made.
With no immediate resolution in sight, attention now turns to the government’s next move. Whether the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment will propose a more concrete resolution framework or whether the impasse will continue remains to be seen. For now, CLOGSAG’s strike continues to disrupt operations, reinforcing the call for a depoliticized and merit-based civil service structure in Ghana.
In the past, similar disputes between labor unions and the government have led to prolonged negotiations, legal battles, and in some cases, policy changes. Many stakeholders believe that resolving this issue requires a collaborative approach that balances the interests of public sector workers and the government’s administrative priorities.
The public’s reaction to the strike has been mixed. While some sympathize with CLOGSAG’s concerns and support their demands for fairness in appointments, others worry about the broader economic implications of a prolonged strike. Small business owners, especially those who rely on timely government documentation, have expressed frustration over the delays caused by the ongoing dispute.
As the situation unfolds, CLOGSAG remains resolute in its decision to continue the strike, reinforcing its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and professionalism in public service. The association has called on its members to remain steadfast and united in their demands, warning that any attempts to break the strike through external pressure would be met with further resistance.
The Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment now faces a critical challenge in addressing the concerns raised by CLOGSAG while ensuring the smooth functioning of government institutions. The coming days will determine whether a resolution is reached or if the strike will escalate, further impacting governance and public service delivery across the country.
With mounting pressure from various quarters, including civil society organizations, legal experts, and political observers, it remains to be seen how the government will navigate this complex issue. Whether through direct negotiations, policy revisions, or legal interventions, a resolution is necessary to restore stability and ensure that public administration remains effective and impartial in Ghana.
