The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has threatened to file a court action against government over what the association described as the deliberate attempt by government in politicizing the local and civil government service in recent times.

The Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Isaac Bampoe-Addo speaking at the End of Year Thanksgiving Service of the association accused successive President of abusing the appointment authority given to them by the Presidential Office Act of 1993.

According to him, government through such deliberate actions has led to the recruitment of several individuals in to the civil and local government services without following the standard procedures for recruitment.

“It is been observed that the Presidential Office Act, 1993 has been the legal instrument that has emboldened governments to pursue the politicization of the services. Even though the Presidential Office Act empowers the President to appoint into the services, it does not specify any qualification and competencies as well as experience required for entry into the services. These political apparachiks and goro boys often enter the civil service and the local government service without the requisite qualifications and experience,”
Isaac Bampoe Addo

The Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana further argued that the use of the Presidential Office Act, 1993 in appointing officers into the civil service and local government service is contrary to the Supreme Court Ruling on neutrality.

The Danger of Politicization In Local And Civil Government Service

Highlighting on the dangers of excessive politicization in the local and civil government service in the country, Mr Bampoe Addo explained that the situation undermines the principle of neutrality and impartiality required of persons that work within the civil and local government service of the country.

Mr Banpoe Addo claimed that the failure of most government policies and programmes are mainly as a result of the appointment of inexperience’s and unqualified personnel by government into the local and civil government service rather the qualified and trained staff.

According to him, the situation could largely be attributed to the country’s worsening economic regime and government continuous request from the International Monetary Fund for bailout and budget support.

“It is worthy to note that the neglect of the civil service at the central and local government levels of governance over the years has landed us in this economic mess that needed the IMF to come and straighten up things for us”.
Isaac Bampoe Addo

Additionally, Mr Bampoe Addo criticized the creation of the numerous and duplicated Commissions, Authorities, and State Agencies by government over the years which do not have any clear cut or stipulated mandate or responsibility to discharge.

According to him the creation of such Commission, Authority and State Agencies has further weakened the effectiveness of the local and civil government services in the country.

Mr Bampoe Addo concluded by indicating that the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has instructed it lawyers to file a case at the country’s Supreme Court to seek redress on such a worrying matter.