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Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has justified the appointment of Mr. Samuel Adom Botchway as the Registrar of Births and Deaths, asserting that the decision aligns with the constitution.
Addressing a press conference at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, February 19, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye stated, “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 referenced the legal basis for the appointment, explaining, “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.”
His remarks come amid opposition from the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), which has declared a nationwide strike beginning Thursday, February 20, 2025. The association is demanding that the government revoke Mr. Adom Botchway’s appointment and replace him with a career civil servant, rather than what they describe as a “politically exposed person.”
In response to CLOGSAG’s concerns, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye urged its members to remain calm, reiterating that the appointment was made in accordance with the law. “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.”
He further defended Mr. Adom Botchway’s qualifications, stating, “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.” While acknowledging CLOGSAG’s concerns, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye emphasized that there is no constitutional requirement barring politically affiliated individuals from holding the role, and he encouraged continued dialogue on the matter.
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