NLC declares CLOGSAG strike illegal, summons parties for emergency meeting
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) to immediately rescind its declaration of a nationwide strike, describing the planned industrial action as illegal.
In a press release issued on March 5, 2026, the NLC said it became aware of the strike declaration through media reports. CLOGSAG had earlier that day issued a notice instructing all its members in the Civil Service and Local Government Service to stay at home from Monday, March 9, until further notice.
The Commission invoked its powers under Section 139 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) to order the union to call off the action. According to the NLC, CLOGSAG failed to comply with mandatory legal requirements governing strike actions.
"The National Labour Commission, in pursuance of its powers under Section 139 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) directs CLOGSAG to rescind the decision as it contravenes Sections 159 and 160 of Act 651, which enjoins a party who intends to take a strike action to notify the other party and the Commission by serving seven days' notice; and to resort to strike only upon expiration of the seven days' notice where there is no intervention under Section 161 of Act 651," the statement said.
The Commission emphasised that CLOGSAG had failed or refused to comply with these provisions, rendering the strike declaration illegal under the Labour Act.
"CLOGSAG failed and/or refused to comply with these provisions of the Law as stated above; consequently, the declaration of strike by CLOGSAG constitutes an illegality under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651)," the NLC stated.
The statement was signed by Larry-George Botchway, Head of Public Affairs at the NLC, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
The Commission has summoned both parties in the dispute to appear before it on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm. The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peaceful and harmonious industrial relations within the framework of the law.
"The disputing parties are hereby summoned to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, 11th March 2026 at 2pm. The Commission remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and harmonious relations environment within the context of the Law," the statement added.
CLOGSAG had earlier on Thursday directed its members to proceed on strike over the government's failure to implement an agreed salary structure and conditions of service. The union's notice, signed by Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo, instructed all staff of the Civil Service and Local Government Service to remain at home from March 9 until further notice.
"As you are aware, the National Executive Council of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana on Thursday, 19th February, 2026 gave notice of the intention of its members to proceed on an industrial action. The issues remain unresolved and as a result, all staff of the Civil Service and Local Government Service are enjoined to stay at home with effect from Monday, 9th March, 2026 until further notice," the CLOGSAG notice read.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra, Mr Bampoe Addo explained that the dispute dates back to 2019, with two Memoranda of Understanding signed but not implemented. He said the new salary structure was expected to take effect from January 1, 2025.
Mr Bampoe Addo also alleged selective implementation of the salary structure under the previous administration, claiming that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta approved the arrangements for staff at the Finance Ministry while excluding other civil servants.
"In 2023 when we discussed and agreed on the implementation, Ken Ofori-Atta decided to implement it for some staff at the Finance Ministry, leaving the rest of all civil servants in a bad situation, and that is very bad," he said.
The union has indicated that it will only call off the strike if the government fully implements the agreed salary structure and conditions of service for all affected staff.
"The only thing that can let us rescind this decision is for government to implement the agreement," Mr Bampoe Addo stated.
The strike, if it proceeds, is expected to disrupt administrative operations across government ministries, departments, and agencies nationwide. CLOGSAG represents a significant portion of the public sector workforce within the Civil Service and Local Government Service.
Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, had earlier appealed to the union to call off the strike, stating that the action had taken the government by surprise. He acknowledged that the matter had been discussed with the Finance Minister and urged CLOGSAG members to believe the government's promise to address their concerns.
The NLC's directive places CLOGSAG in a difficult position as the union must now decide whether to proceed with the strike in defiance of the Commission's order or comply with the directive and appear before the NLC on Wednesday for further negotiations.
