Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has supported the appointment of Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of Births and Deaths, saying it follows the constitution.

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During a press conference on Wednesday, February 19 at the Jubilee House, 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.”

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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.”

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Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has asked its members to get ready for a nationwide strike starting on Thursday, February 20, 2025. They are protesting because the government did not cancel the appointment and give the job to a civil servant, instead of what they call a politically exposed person.

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CLOGSAG had earlier warned of a strike after President John Mahama appointed Mr. Adom Botchway to the position.

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In response, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye asked CLOGSAG members to stay calm, explaining that the law says the president is responsible for making such appointments.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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