Accra, Ghana – February 14, 2025 — The Penyman Foundation has expressed strong opposition to the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana’s (CLOSSAG) decision to embark on a nationwide strike in protest of the appointment of Hon. Samuel Adom Botwey as the Managing Director of the Birth and Death Registry.

In a press statement released by the Foundation, management questioned the legitimacy of CLOSSAG’s objection, pointing out that government appointments of Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) — whose staff are also CLOSSAG members — have never triggered similar protests.

Hon. Samuel Adom Botwey’s Track Record

The Foundation highlighted Hon. Botwey’s prior service as District Chief Executive (DCE) under President Mahama’s first term, where he worked harmoniously with CLOSSAG members in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District Assembly. According to the Foundation, this makes the current opposition to his appointment puzzling and inconsistent.

Call for Constitutional Review

Penyman Foundation emphasized the need for a constitutional review to address ambiguities related to such appointments and urged organized labor to avoid politically motivated criticisms. The Foundation noted that the 2024 general election, supervised by institutions with politically exposed leaders, proved that professionalism and neutrality can be maintained despite political backgrounds.

Focus on National Priorities

The Foundation called on CLOSSAG and other organized labor groups to direct their advocacy towards critical national challenges, especially illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to devastate rivers and communities. It further urged stakeholders, including political commentators, to hold current leaders accountable for providing alternative livelihoods for the youth affected by mining restrictions and the ban on rosewood trading.

“We urge CLOSSAG members to channel their energy towards addressing critical national issues such as illegal mining, rather than engaging in politically motivated criticisms,” said Mr. Eric Kwesi Taylor, CEO of Penyman Foundation.

Supporting Sustainable Development

The statement reiterated Penyman Foundation’s belief that the government’s 24-hour economy policy could be supported through proper regulation of small-scale mining and rosewood trading, sectors which already operate around the clock.

Conclusion

Penyman Foundation concluded by expressing its full support for the appointment of Hon. Samuel Adom Botwey as the Managing Director of the Birth and Death Registry, affirming confidence in his ability to deliver effective leadership and contribute positively to the institution.