The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has been ordered by the National Labour Commission (NLC) to immediately withdraw its announcement of a statewide strike, citing the planned industrial action as illegal.
The NLC stated in a press release dated March 5, 2026, that it learned of the strike declaration from media sources. Earlier that day, CLOGSAG sent out a notification directing all of its members in the Local Government Service and Civil Service to remain at home starting on Monday, March 9, and continuing until further notice.
The Commission ordered the union to halt the action by using its authority under Section 139 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
The NLC affirms that CLOGSAG did not adhere to the mandatory legislative standards that govern strike actions.
“The National Labour Commission, in pursuance of its powers under Section 139 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) directs CLOGSAG to rescind the decision as it contravenes Sections 159 and 160 of Act 651, which enjoins a party who intends to take a strike action to notify the other party and the Commission by serving seven days’ notice; and to resort to strike only upon expiration of the seven days’ notice where there is no intervention under Section 161 of Act 651,” the statement said.
The Commission highlighted that the strike declaration was unlawful under the Labour Act since CLOGSAG had disregarded or failed to abide by these restrictions.
The NLC declared, “CLOGSAG failed and/or refused to comply with these provisions of the Law as stated above; consequently, the declaration of strike by CLOGSAG constitutes an illegality under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651),”
On behalf of the Executive Secretary, Larry-George Botchway, the NLC’s Head of Public Affairs, signed the statement.
Both parties to the issue have been invited to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Within the bounds of the law, the NLC reiterated its dedication to upholding amicable and peaceful labour relations.
“The disputing parties are hereby summoned to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, 11th March 2026 at 2pm. The Commission remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and harmonious relations environment within the context of the Law,” the statement continued.
Earlier on Thursday, CLOGSAG had instructed its members to go on strike due to the government’s refusal to adopt a mutually agreed-upon compensation structure and terms of employment. Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo signed the union’s letter directing all Civil Service and Local Government Service employees to stay at home starting on March 9 and continuing till further notice.
“As you are aware, the National Executive Council of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana on Thursday, 19th February, 2026 gave notice of the intention of its members to proceed on an industrial action. The issues remain unresolved and as a result, all staff of the Civil Service and Local Government Service are enjoined to stay at home with effect from Monday, 9th March, 2026 until further notice,” the CLOGSAG notice read.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr. Bampoe Addo clarified that the conflict began in 2019 and that two Memoranda of Understanding were signed but not put into effect. According to him, the new pay scale is anticipated to go into effect on January 1, 2025.
“In 2023 when we discussed and agreed on the implementation, Ken Ofori-Atta decided to implement it for some staff at the Finance Ministry, leaving the rest of all civil servants in a bad situation, and that is very bad,” Mr. Bampoe Addo said, accusing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta of approving the arrangements for staff at the Finance Ministry while excluding other civil servants.
According to the union, the government must completely implement the agreed-upon compensation structure and terms of service for all impacted employees before it will call off the strike.
“The only thing that can let us rescind this decision is for government to implement the agreement,” Mr Bampoe Addo stated.
Administrative functions across government ministries, departments, and agencies across the country are anticipated to be disrupted if the walkout continues.
A sizable segment of the public sector workforce in the Civil Service and Local Government Service is represented by CLOGSAG.
Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, the Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, had earlier urged the union to end the strike, claiming that the government was unprepared for the action.
He asked CLOGSAG members to trust the government’s pledge to resolve their concerns, acknowledging that the issue had been discussed with the Finance Minister.
CLOGSAG is in a challenging situation as a result of the NLC’s direction. The union must now choose between following the directive and going to the NLC on Wednesday for more talks, or continuing with the strike in disobedience of the Commission’s mandate.
Source: newsthemegh.com