The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike by staff of the Births and Deaths Registry, demanding the immediate removal of Samuel Adom Botchwey from his position as Acting Registrar.
The association insisted that until Mr. Botchwey is dismissed, no staff member will return to post across any of the sixteen regions.
According to a spokesperson for CLOGSAG, the association’s National Executive Council resolved after a recent meeting that the work environment under Mr. Botchwey has become intolerable due to acts of verbal and physical intimidation, abuse, and general misconduct.
“It’s rather unfortunate that just a few months down the line that the man has been at post, and he’s intimidating members at the workplace – calling them all sorts of names. There’s verbal abuse, physical abuse, – and also walking with macho men around the offices”
CLOGSAG Spokesperson
The decision to strike was not taken lightly, but CLOGSAG stated that the safety and dignity of its members could no longer be guaranteed under the current leadership at the Registry. The spokesperson confirmed that all regional offices have been closed in line with the directive and reiterated that services will remain suspended until the demand is met.
“As I speak to you, all the 16 regions, all offices of the Registrar for Births and Deaths have been closed down, and we expect our members not to go to work until Samuel Adom Botchwey has been removed from office”
CLOGSAG Spokesperson
CLOGSAG clarified that the issue is not one of negotiations or compromise but of principle and legality. According to the association, Mr. Botchwey’s appointment did not follow the constitutional and statutory processes outlined in the Births and Deaths Registry Act.
Unlawful Appointment
The association argued that Mr. Botchwey’s appointment was not only procedurally flawed but also in violation of Article 195 of the Constitution, which mandates that such appointments be made by the President upon the advice of the relevant governing councils.
This was supposed to be the Civil Service Council and the Local Government Council – with consultation from the Public Services Commission. “His appointment was wrong. He did not follow the right procedure.”
Beyond legality, CLOGSAG questioned Mr. Botchwey’s qualifications for the role, stating that he lacks the academic and professional background required by law. The Act specifies that appointees must have relevant qualifications in demography, statistics, or civil registration – criteria which, according to CLOGSAG, Mr. Botchwey does not meet.
“He does not have any of these. Yet we have civil servants at the Birth and Deaths Registry who are equipped and have these qualifications to occupy the position,” the spokesperson explained.
CLOGSAG also raised concerns about political interference in what should be a purely civil service role.
The association disclosed that Mr. Botchwey previously served as a District Chief Executive and acted as a polling agent for a political party during the last general elections, questioning his neutrality and suitability for the office.
“Why then do you bring a politician to come and encumber this position? That is where we are coming from,” said the spokesperson.
Intimidation and Unsafe Conditions
In addition to administrative and legal issues, CLOGSAG cited several disturbing statements allegedly made by Mr. Botchwey in office corridors, including one where he described himself as “the lion” and belittled the relevance of CLOGSAG.
“He says that he is ‘the lion,’ ‘What can CLOGSAG do?’ ‘When he was campaigning for the government, where was CLOGSAG?’ ‘Whatever will happen should happen, he doesn’t care,’”
CLOGSAG Spokesperson
The association maintained that these utterances reflect a pattern of behavior that creates a toxic work environment, leaving staff demoralized and fearful.
Earlier this year, CLOGSAG had protested Mr. Botchwey’s appointment with a strike but stood down after appearing to reach a resolution. The current developments, however, suggest that the situation has deteriorated further, prompting the renewed and more forceful industrial action.
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