The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) initiated a nationwide strike on Thursday, February 20, 2025, to protest the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry. CLOGSAG argues that Botchway’s appointment is politically motivated and contravenes a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits civil servants from participating in active partisan politics. This stance underscores the importance of maintaining a neutral and impartial civil service, free from political influence, to ensure effective and unbiased public service delivery. CLOGSAG’s General Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, publicly called on the Presidency to revoke the appointment, emphasizing the need to uphold the principles of a non-partisan civil service.
In response to CLOGSAG’s strike action, the Local Government Service Workers’ Union (LGSWU) issued a statement on Friday, February 21, 2025, clarifying its position and instructing its members to continue their regular duties. The LGSWU emphasized its non-participation in the strike, citing an ongoing legal case related to the appointment of the Registrar. This legal process, according to the LGSWU, necessitates a different approach than the industrial action chosen by CLOGSAG. The LGSWU’s decision to distance itself from the strike highlights the complexities and nuances within the public sector unions, suggesting differing strategies and interpretations of the situation.
The LGSWU’s statement underscored the importance of following due process and allowing the legal system to address the matter. This approach reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting the judicial process in resolving disputes. The union believes that participating in the strike while a legal case is pending would be premature and potentially undermine the legal avenues being pursued. This measured response contrasts with CLOGSAG’s immediate industrial action, illustrating the diverse approaches employed by different unions within the same sector.
The LGSWU’s decision not to join the strike was reached after extensive consultations within the union’s structure. The National Management Committee engaged in discussions with all regional councils, ensuring a comprehensive and representative decision-making process. This consultative approach reflects the union’s commitment to internal democracy and ensuring that all members’ voices are heard before taking significant actions. The unanimous decision underscores the unity within the LGSWU regarding this issue and reinforces their commitment to pursuing the legal route.
The ongoing situation highlights the tension between the government and certain public sector unions regarding appointments and the perceived politicization of the civil service. CLOGSAG’s strike action represents a direct challenge to the government’s decision, while the LGSWU’s non-participation reflects a more cautious approach, prioritizing legal processes over immediate industrial action. This difference in approach underscores the complex dynamics within the public sector and the varied strategies adopted by different unions in addressing their concerns.
The unfolding events surrounding the appointment of the Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry have brought to the forefront critical issues concerning the independence and neutrality of the civil service. The contrasting responses of CLOGSAG and LGSWU highlight the diverse opinions and approaches within the public sector unions. The outcome of both the strike and the ongoing legal case will likely have significant implications for the future of appointments within the civil service and the relationship between the government and public sector unions. The situation underscores the importance of maintaining a transparent and accountable appointment process to ensure public trust and confidence in the integrity of the civil service.
