Minister for Government Communications Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has defended the appointment of Mr Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of Births and Deaths, stating that his appointment is in line with the constitution.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, February 19 at the Jubilee House, Mr Ofosu Kwakye explained, “The laws governing that entity clearly specify who should make the appointment. It states that it is the president, and the president has acted in line with the 1992 constitution.”

He further noted, “Section 236 of the constitution stipulates that, in appointing a person as the registrar, the president must consider the relevant academic qualifications, experience, and knowledge of that person in civil service administration. The registrar shall hold office on the terms and conditions specified in the letter of appointment.”

Meanwhile, the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has called on its members to prepare for a nationwide strike, set to begin on Thursday, February 20, 2025, due to the government’s failure to revoke the appointment and hand it over to a civil servant, rather than what they call a politically exposed person.

The association earlier threatened an industrial strike after President John Mahama appointed Mr Adom Botchway to occupy the position.

In response, Mr Ofosu Kwakye urged CLOGSAG members to remain calm, explaining that the law clearly states the president is responsible for the appointment.

He added, “Mr Adom Botchway possesses all the necessary experience to take on the role of registrar. CLOGSAG has not questioned his competence for the position; they only claim that he is politically exposed. However, I have just read the law to you, and there is no stipulation that the position must be occupied by a civil servant.”

Mr Ofosu Kwakye continued, “Mr Adom Botchway is a highly experienced public servant who previously served as a district chief executive under President John Atta Mills' administration. He has many years of public service experience and the required academic qualifications to hold this position.”

He emphasised that the government respects CLOGSAG’s views and seeks further dialogue but reiterated that there is no constitutional provision stating that the position must be filled by a civil servant rather than a politically exposed individual.