CLOGSAG approach over appointment of Birth and Death Registrar outdated – Tema-based Industrialist

Dr. William Mensah-Ansah, a Tema-based industrialist, has expressed that the recent actions taken by the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) regarding the appointment of Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway as Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry reflect outdated labor practices.

In light of contemporary union strategies that prioritize dialogue, negotiation, and strategic communication, Dr. Mensah-Ansah criticized CLOGSAG’s decision to declare an indefinite strike as old-fashioned and inflexible. He believes the association should pursue more constructive and collaborative methods to address its concerns rather than resorting to industrial action.

With decades of experience in labor unionism, Dr. Mensah-Ansah urged the CLOGSAG Executive Council to immediately call off the strike and seek ways to establish a positive relationship with the government to resolve their issues.

The strike, which began on February 20, 2025, was initiated by CLOGSAG's National Executive Council (NEC) in response to the government's appointment of Botchway, who is perceived as a "politically exposed person," to the position of Birth and Death Registrar. CLOGSAG argues that this appointment undermines the integrity of the Civil Service and Local Government. Although the government defends the appointment by highlighting Mr. Botchway's qualifications and experience, CLOGSAG maintains that it is unacceptable.

Dr. Mensah-Ansah emphasized that any industrial action lasting beyond two weeks tends to be ineffective. He noted that extended absences from work lead to fatigue and apathy among workers, who may begin to lose interest in the strike as they face everyday financial pressures, especially when the action is not related to salary negotiations.

“CLOGSAG leaders must quickly retreat and engage in diplomatic dialogue to restore their dignity. If they do not, after six weeks, their members may start to rebel against leadership decisions and return to work,” Dr. Mensah-Ansah warned.

He further highlighted that CLOGSAG's strike could lead to counterproductive consequences. “What will a politically exposed head of the Births and Deaths Registry achieve? Will they register more births in favor of their political interests and more deaths against their opponents? The Births and Deaths Registry should not be a place for political maneuvering,” he stated.

Dr. Mensah-Ansah noted that modern labor union activism has shifted towards more collaborative and strategic approaches. Labor unions today are more likely to partner with employers, social justice movements, and other stakeholders to advocate for development and job creation.

“Unions are focusing on organizing and mobilizing workers to maximize productivity, create a better working environment, improve healthcare policies, and support marginalized workers. They are also forming alliances with community groups and NGOs to amplify their voices and enhance their impact, advocating for policy and legislative changes that benefit workers, such as increased minimum wages, improved working conditions, and enhanced labor rights,” Dr. Mensah-Ansah concluded.