The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has dismissed the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG)’s opposition to the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as Registrar of Births and Deaths.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described CLOGSAG’s concerns and strike threat as baseless and legally unfounded.
“The people of Ghana, who pay the wages of all public servants, should not be made to suffer due to demands that are not backed by law. We remain open to discussions, but the law must be respected,” he stated.
He explained that Mr. Botchway’s appointment was made in full compliance with the 1992 Constitution and the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 2020 (Act 1027).
“The President acted within his constitutional mandate. Section 2 of Act 1027 makes it clear that the President, in accordance with Article 195 of the Constitution, has the authority to appoint the Registrar of Births and Deaths. There is no legal basis for CLOGSAG’s demand for his removal,” he argued.
According to him, Article 195 of the Constitution grants the President the power to make appointments within the public service, with provisions for delegation when necessary.
He further stated that Mr. Botchway meets all the legal criteria, including academic qualifications and public service experience.
“CLOGSAG has not questioned his competence, only alleging that he is politically exposed. However, there is no provision in the law that stipulates the position must be held by a civil servant. Previous registrars may have been civil servants, but that does not establish a legal requirement,” he noted.
CLOGSAG last week declared a strike over Mr. Botchway’s appointment, arguing that he is politically exposed. The government assured that he would be reassigned, but the Association says that pledge has not been fulfilled.
As a result, CLOGSAG has declared another nationwide strike effective Thursday, February 20, 2025.
While affirming the government’s stance on the legality of the appointment, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu appealed to CLOGSAG to reconsider its decision.
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