Apam, Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
Members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association – Ghana (CLOGSAG) of Gomoa West District elected new executives through acclamation to steer the affairs of the the association for the next four years. The elected executives were Mr. Lewis Andy Noonoo as per Chairperson and Madam Katherine Eduful as Organizer. Mr. Eric Akondoh Otoo was also affirmed by the members to continue to be Secretary.
The election was climax of the 2022 District Conference of the Association. The occasion was graced by the Gomoa West District Coordinating Director, Madam Vida Awuku; the Central Regional Secretary, Alhaji Naba Apam-Nuhu; Regional Treasurer, Mr. Martin Twumasi; Regional Organizer, Joseph Clinton Abera; Cape Coast Metro Organizer, Paul Ansah; Chairperson of Awutu Senya, Rev. Winifred Agyemang-Freeman; and representatives of Hedge Pensions Scheme, Abdul Rauf and Aziz. Also at the programme were various heads of Departments and Units of the Assembly.
The Regional Secretary briefed the participants that the association was doing its best to ensure that working conditions and environment of its members improved. He explained that the Association fought for the payment of 15% premium for its and it had concluded negotiations with government for payment of 20% neutrality allowance.
He continued that the January strike was to force the government to commit itself to new salary structure that the association had hired consultants to develop for members which received inputs and approval from all stakeholders including the Councils of Civil Services and Local Government Service, Minister for Labour and Employment, Cabinet and the Senior Minster. He added that the document was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for their comments which delayed hence the strike. He mentioned that both the Government and the Association agreed to conclude negotiations on the new salary structure by August 31, 2022.
On the issue of the 20% neutrality allowance, he explained the Government pleaded they will be paid in the last quarter of the year because the state did not have the financial capacity to pay and was even struggling to pay salaries. He therefore said that the if it did reflect in the November validation, the association would call for another strike. He alluded that the new structure would take effect in January, 2023.
The participants were advised to invest into Tier 3 pensions fund for comfortable retirement.