Government has urged the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) to reconsider its decision to embark on a nationwide strike.
CLOGSAG has announced plans for industrial action on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in protest against the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as head of the Birth and Death Registry.
Addressing the media at the Presidency on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, condemned CLOGSAG’s decision to strike.
He defended President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Botchway, stating that the Birth and Death Act of 2020 clearly outlines the operational framework of the institution, including the appointment of a registrar. Citing Section 2 of Act 1027, he emphasized that the process was conducted lawfully.
Kwakye Ofosu further referenced Article 195 of the Act, which grants the President the authority to make appointments or delegate such powers. He asserted that the government sees no justifiable reason for CLOGSAG’s planned strike.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, he highlighted Botchway’s qualifications, noting his prior service as a District Chief Executive under the Mills administration and his extensive experience in public service, making him well-suited for the role.
“When it comes to the appointment of the registrar who is the head, section 2 of the act makes it clear how it is to be done. The contention of CLOGSAG is that the registrar position is a civil service position and that has to be backed by relevant provisions in law. Now if you read the relevant section, which deals with the appointment of the registrar, section 2 says the appointment of the registrar of births of death, 2.2 says the President in accordance with article 195 shall appoint the registrar. The president has acted in accordance of the constitution.”
He added that CLOGSAG has not questioned the qualifications of the registrar but has only said he is politically exposed. “There is no where it says the position needs to be occupied by a public servant. He has many years experience in the public service and has the requisite skills and qualifications to head the registry.”
The Civil Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has announced a nationwide industrial action slated for Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The decision comes in response to the continued tenure of Samuel Adom Botchway at the Births and Deaths Registry, despite prior government assurances of his removal.
According to a statement signed by Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo, CLOGSAG is deeply dissatisfied with Mr. Botchway’s ongoing presence, evidenced by his participation in the office’s budget hearing at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
The association expressed their frustration, emphasizing that the strike will proceed as scheduled unless their concerns are promptly addressed.
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“We have engaged CLOGSAG and believe the President has acted in accordance with the law.”- Despite opposition from CLOGSAG, the government stands firm on its decision to appoint Adom Botchwey.#ChannelOneNews #CitiVerify pic.twitter.com/7P7xVevezH
— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) February 19, 2025
