The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has firmly committed to opposing any attempts at partisan appointments within the Civil and Local Government Services. The Association urged the incoming government, set to assume office on January 7, 2025, to maintain the neutrality of these services and refrain from appointing political figures to key civil service roles.
At CLOGSAG’s Thanksgiving Service in Accra, Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of the Association, emphasized that civil servants should not owe their appointments to political affiliations. He warned that CLOGSAG would mobilize its members and use “workers’ power” to resist any such interference. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling that explicitly prohibits partisan-based appointments in civil service positions, calling on the new administration to respect the decision.
“We expect the incoming government to fully adhere to the Supreme Court ruling and ensure that no political appointments hinder the independence of the civil service,” Mr. Addo stressed. His comments were in reaction to a number of appointments made in the early days of the current government to the Civil and Local Government services that were considered and criticized as partisan by CLOGSAG.
Additionally, CLOGSAG raised concerns about the “winner takes all” approach in Ghanaian governance, where the President holds considerable authority to appoint public officers across the board. Mr. Addo urged the country to reassess this system, questioning whether it has been effective in driving national development.
Addressing the issue of illegal mining, Mr. Addo criticized the centralization of efforts to combat the problem, arguing that District Assemblies should take the lead in addressing local mining issues. He emphasized that local authorities are better suited to identify the root causes and implement sustainable solutions within their communities.
Reflecting on the year, Mr. Addo acknowledged the Association’s progress but expressed disappointment that CLOGSAG’s efforts to establish a Unique Salary Structure for civil servants had not yet come to fruition. However, he assured members that negotiations were ongoing and that their demands for improved salaries and conditions of service “will see the light of day.”
CLOGSAG’s firm stance highlights the Association’s determination to uphold the independence of civil servants and resist any attempts to politicize the Civil and Local Government Services under the new administration
