A nationwide strike by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) has begun today, Thursday, February 20, 2025, in protest of Samuel Botchway’s appointment as Registrar of Births and Deaths. The union’s members have been instructed to prepare for industrial action, resulting in suspended services and uncertain timelines for resumption.¹
Reports from various regions indicate that the strike is being observed, with some offices closed and clients left stranded. In the Ashanti Region, Joy News’ correspondent reported that members went to work but refused to provide services due to the strike. Similarly, in the Bono East Region, offices were empty, leaving the public without access to essential services.
However, in the Northern Region, some CLOGSAG members have defied the strike, choosing to report to work and provide services to clients. These members believe that the union’s leadership is pursuing a personal agenda rather than representing their collective interests.
At the heart of the dispute is the appointment of Samuel Botchway, a former District Chief Executive under President John Evans Atta Mills. CLOGSAG argues that Botchway, as a politically exposed person, is not eligible for a role in the civil service. The government, however, disagrees with this stance.
CLOGSAG has expressed concerns over Botchway’s participation in a budget hearing at the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs on February 17, 2025. The union sees this as evidence that Botchway remains in his role, despite the government’s earlier commitment to replace him.
