The acting President of Ghana's Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG), Benjamin Otoo, has publicly dismissed reports of purported new appointments circulating within the organization. In an official statement released in Accra, Mr. Otoo emphasized that the matter is currently before the High Court for determination. He urged all regional and district executives, as well as members, to disregard any notices or directives arising from these purported appointments until the court has made a ruling.
According to Mr. Otoo, the High Court has scheduled a date to determine the validity of the disputed appointments. Until then, he stressed that all stakeholders should refrain from implementing any administrative actions related to these appointments. The acting president assured members that his office remains committed to protecting CLOGSAG's institutional integrity, property, and collective interests. This commitment, he stated, is paramount to maintaining unity and stability within the organization.
The controversy surrounding the appointments arose against the backdrop of CLOGSAG's planned congress in January 2023, which was intended to elect new leaders and conduct other organizational business. However, a court injunction was obtained, leading to the suspension of the congress until the court decides on the matter. The injunction also prevented the imposition of acting national executives outside the association's constitutional provisions, directing that outgoing executives maintain their positions or be replaced by neutral persons.
Providing background on his appointment as acting president, Mr. Otoo mentioned that former President Dr. Evans Agbeme Dzikum was due for retirement. According to CLOGSAG's constitution, the president is required to appoint a replacement in the absence of a substantive president until a congress is held. Following this provision, Dr. Dzikum appointed Mr. Otoo, who was then the sole candidate for president, to act as president. Additionally, Seth Anim Boadi, the Municipal Coordinating Director of the Adentan Municipal Assembly, was appointed as Vice-President until the next congress.
CLOGSAG, founded in 1918 in Sekondi, is a registered trade union representing workers in the civil and local government services, as well as other establishments. Its primary objectives are to provide better representation for government workers and serve as a recognized channel of communication with the government on matters affecting the service. The association has been experiencing internal wrangling, particularly following the recent passing of its longest-serving Executive Secretary, Isaac Atteh Bampoe Addo, who died on August 21 at the age of 59.
Mr. Otoo encouraged all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to protecting the unity and institutional integrity of CLOGSAG. He appealed to stakeholders to exercise restraint and respect the judicial process, allowing the court to determine the matter at hand. By doing so, he emphasized that the organization can ensure a peaceful and lawful resolution to the current impasse.
As the situation unfolds, CLOGSAG members and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the High Court's decision on the disputed appointments. The court's ruling is expected to bring clarity and stability to the organization, enabling it to move forward with its planned congress and other activities. Until then, Mr. Otoo's leadership will continue to navigate the challenges, prioritizing the organization's collective interests and institutional integrity.
Key points
- The acting President of CLOGSAG, Benjamin Otoo, has urged members to disregard purported appointments due to a High Court case.
- The disputed appointments have led to internal wrangling within CLOGSAG, affecting its planned congress and organizational activities.
- CLOGSAG's acting leadership is committed to protecting the organization's integrity and unity pending the court's determination.
