Government business in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, halted on Wednesday as members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) laid down their tools.
The workers joined their colleagues in other parts of the country in an indefinite industrial action to demand fairness in the implementation of the interim market premium following their migration onto the Single Spine Salary Structure.
“We want equity; we want 15% of our market premium paid. We have waited for this since 2010 and nothing has come,” said Mercy Boakyewaa Akyeampong, Ashanti regional chair of CLOGSAG.
She says members are compelled to strike because there are no signs government is interested in addressing their grievances.
At Kumasi central business district where most of government’s departments and agencies are situated, almost all offices were under lock and key.
Few CLOGSAG members were seen loitering around whilst people were stranded in attempts to access administrative services.
“I came to the get some documents at the Lands Commission but there is no one here. I’m told they are on strike,” said Kwame Amo, a stranded client.
Other affected departments and agencies include the Comptroller and Accountant General’s Department, Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, Public Works, the Information Services, Social Welfare and Rural Housing Departments.
However, at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, some CLOGSAG members were seen at post though they explained that the information to strike reached them late but will duly comply.
Madam Ackyeampong says the action will be called off only when the Association receives a White Paper from the government accepting to pay their market premium.
“According to the government, education and health are his priorities, that means we CLOGSAG are not a priority to government and this is unacceptable,” she said.
By Kofi Adu Domfeh|3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @3Newsgh
