CLOGSAG blames galamsey crisis on govt interference in local assemblies

The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has attributed the ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) menace to the government's interference in the operations of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

Speaking at the 7th Nathan Annan Quao Lecture Series, themed "The Weberian Ideal of Political Neutrality Among Civil Servants: A Review of the Situation in Ghana," Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, stated that if Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) were given more autonomy to perform their duties without political interference, the illegal mining issue could have been effectively addressed.

Dr. Bampoe Addo emphasized that political influence has hampered the ability of local assemblies to combat the galamsey problem, which continues to pose a threat to the environment and the nation’s resources.

Meanwhile, the Head of Civil Service, Dr. Aggrey Darko, has cautioned civil servants against engaging in partisan activities as the December 7 elections approach.

He reiterated that the civil service must remain non-partisan, warning that any civil servant found taking political sides in the discharge of their duties will face consequences.

Dr Darko stressed these were to maintain the neutrality and professionalism of civil servants, especially in the politically charged atmosphere leading up to the national elections.