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0 The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has reiterated its opposition to political appointments in the civil service, insisting that leadership positions must be filled through internal selection and presented for presidential approval, rather than through direct appointment.
CLOGSAG has been on strike since February 22, 2025, protesting the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry.
The association argues that the appointment disregards established procedures, undermining civil service neutrality.
Speaking on the theme “Guarding the Gate: Labour Unions as Protectors of Service Neutrality,” CLOGSAG’s Executive Secretary, Bampoe Addo, emphasised the importance of following constitutional guidelines in appointing civil service leadership.
“We are all to uphold the constitution of Ghana. And what the constitution is saying is that, yes, the president should appoint, but he should not identify the person. People have been given the responsibility of identifying the right person and then presenting it to him,” he stated.
He further argued that some civil service positions, including the Registrar of Births and Deaths, are progressive roles that should be filled through promotion rather than direct appointment.
“There are certain positions in the civil service where direct entry is not allowed—they are progressive roles filled through promotion from within. Everyone in the registration class works towards the goal of becoming the Registrar, and that serves as their motivation.
Now, if someone is appointed directly into such a position, bypassing the established rules and promotion structure, what message does that send to the dedicated employees who have worked their way up the ranks?” he quizzed.
CLOGSAG has vowed to resist any attempt to politicize the civil service, reaffirming its commitment to upholding neutrality and preventing political interference in appointments.
“We have been speaking about this, but in 2025, we will resist any attempt. Because as civil servants, we must ensure that the principles of anonymity, neutrality, and permanence remain enshrined,” Bampoe Addo stressed.
