THE Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSAG) strike in the Oti Region has paralysed the Municipal Assembly’s operations, with leaders attributing the action to government inaction on agreed conditions of service.
The Oti Regional Chairman of CLOSAG, Francis Apau, said workers do not take strike action lightly but were compelled by the government’s failure to implement an enhanced salary structure.
Speaking in Dambai, Mr Apau explained that negotiations with the previous government in 2021 had begun implementation only for Ministry of Finance workers, with promises to extend the benefits to all CLOSAG members.
After the government changed, the transition committee assured continued implementation, but no action was taken after a year.
He stressed, “We believe we are entitled to the improved conditions of service, and until we hear from our national leadership, we will not return to work.”
The Assembly faced total disruption on the first day, with residents unable to access services such as work permits. The strike has severely affected municipal operations.
The Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Sarfo Nketia, said activities including contractor documentation, revenue collection, and waste management had halted, urging CLOSAG to allow workers to resume duties while government addresses their concerns.
Similarly, Nkwanta-South Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Awal Antwi, said he appealed to CLOSAG leaders to ensure workers return to support the country’s development as government works to resolve their grievances.
The strike underscores tensions between local government staff and the government over delayed implementation of agreed service conditions and highlights the need for dialogue to restore industrial harmony.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
Follow our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
