Paragraph 1: The Crux of the CLOGSAG Strike
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) initiated a nationwide strike on February 20, 2025, stemming from the appointment of Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway as Acting Registrar of the Birth and Deaths Registry. CLOGSAG contends that Mr. Botchway is a "politically exposed person," and his appointment contravenes a 2017 Supreme Court ruling that underscores the importance of neutrality within the Civil and Local Government Services. This ruling effectively bars civil servants from engaging in partisan politics, a principle CLOGSAG believes is compromised by Mr. Botchway’s appointment.
Paragraph 2: CLOGSAG’s Clarification and Justification
Following the strike commencement, CLOGSAG released a statement clarifying its position. The Association emphasized that the industrial action is not a challenge to the President’s authority to make appointments within the Public Service, a power enshrined in Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution. Rather, the strike aims to uphold the principles of neutrality, anonymity, professionalism, and permanence within the Civil Service, as articulated by the Supreme Court. CLOGSAG argues that Mr. Botchway’s political exposure undermines these core principles and necessitates his removal.
Paragraph 3: Government’s Response and Appeal
The Ghanaian government, through Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications, urged CLOGSAG to reconsider the strike, deeming it lacking a legal basis. The government argued that such action is unfair to the Ghanaian populace who ultimately fund public sector wages. This plea, however, was met with defiance from CLOGSAG, which reaffirmed its commitment to the strike until Mr. Botchway is removed from his position.
Paragraph 4: Precedence and Consistency in CLOGSAG’s Stance
The current strike is not an isolated incident. In 2022, CLOGSAG protested the appointment of Mrs. Henrietta Lamptey to the same Registrar position, citing irregularities in the appointment process and its divergence from established norms. The Association subsequently filed a lawsuit in the High Court challenging the appointment and seeking clarification on the Births and Deaths Registry’s status as a Civil Service institution. CLOGSAG also sought a declaration affirming the Head of Civil Service’s mandatory involvement in such appointments. This ongoing legal battle highlights CLOGSAG’s consistent efforts to protect the integrity and prescribed procedures within the Civil Service.
Paragraph 5: The Deeper Implications of the Dispute
The CLOGSAG strike underscores a broader concern regarding the balance between political appointments and the need for a neutral, professional civil service. While the President holds the constitutional authority to make appointments, CLOGSAG’s actions highlight the importance of respecting the principles of impartiality and meritocracy within the public sector. The dispute brings into sharp focus the tension that can arise when political considerations potentially clash with the established norms and legal safeguards designed to protect the integrity of the civil service.
Paragraph 6: The Unfolding Situation and Potential Outcomes
As the strike persists, the implications for public service delivery remain a concern. The Birth and Deaths Registry plays a crucial role in vital record-keeping, and its disruption can have significant consequences for citizens. The ongoing legal case regarding the previous appointment further complicates the situation and adds another layer to the dispute’s resolution. The outcome of both the strike and the court case will likely set a precedent for future appointments and the relationship between political authority and the principles governing the Civil Service in Ghana. The resolution of this conflict will be crucial in establishing a clear framework for navigating similar situations in the future, ensuring both the efficiency of public service and the protection of its impartiality.
