The government will meet with the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to discuss and potentially resolve the ongoing strike that has disrupted public sector operations across the country.
The strike, which began over a week ago, stems from CLOGSAG’s strong opposition to the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as the new Registrar of Births and Deaths.
The association claims that Mr. Botchway’s alleged partisan background violates the neutrality principle required for civil service appointments.
Government’s Appeal for Suspension of Strike
In an official letter addressed to CLOGSAG, the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Unemployment invited the association’s leadership to the negotiation table, urging them to suspend the strike ahead of the meeting.
The ministry assured CLOGSAG that their concerns would be thoroughly discussed, and a resolution would be sought in good faith.
However, CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, has stated that the final decision to call off the strike lies solely with the National Executive Council of the association.
CLOGSAG Stands Firm on Demands
Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Bampoe Addo emphasized that the association’s demand for Mr. Botchway’s removal remains unchanged.
He argued that civil servants have previously been dismissed for engaging in partisan politics, and appointing an individual with alleged political ties contradicts the service’s core values of neutrality and professionalism.
“Our members have been dismissed in the past for engaging in politics, so it is only fair that this discussion begins with Mr. Botchway stepping down,” he stated.
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The association insists that the government must uphold the Public Service Neutrality Policy, which prevents civil servants from being involved in partisan political activities while in office.
Impact of the Strike
Since the strike commenced, operations within the public sector have been heavily affected, with services in several government institutions coming to a halt.
Citizens who rely on public offices for documentation, permits, and administrative services have been inconvenienced, with long delays reported across multiple regions.
The disruption has raised concerns among policymakers and civil society groups, who have urged both parties to reach a compromise to avoid further economic and administrative setbacks.
Looking Ahead
The February 27 meeting is expected to be a crucial turning point in determining whether the strike continues or is called off.
Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the negotiations, as the outcome could set a precedent for future disputes over civil service appointments.
For now, CLOGSAG remains resolute, and the government faces increasing pressure to address their demands swiftly.
The coming days will be critical in shaping the resolution of this impasse.
