CLOGSAG opposes plan to make Controller and Accountant General independent

Accra, March 4,  – The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has voiced opposition to a recommendation by the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) to elevate the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) into an independent body, separate from the Ministry of Finance.

At a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, argued that the CAGD functions as an implementing arm of the Ministry, managing government accounts, treasury operations, and payment control. He emphasized that maintaining the Department under the Ministry ensures smooth coordination of fiscal policy.

“Separating the CAGD constitutionally would introduce unnecessary bureaucracy,” he said, adding that administrative detachment could hamper efficiency and delay crucial processes such as salary payments.

Dr Daniel Appiah, Secretary of CLOGSAG’s internal review committee, noted that the CRC had provided insufficient evidence to justify the proposed independence. He warned that creating a separate constitutional body might weaken institutional cohesion and complicate financial oversight.

While rejecting the CRC proposal, CLOGSAG suggested an alternative: the establishment of a Constitutionally entrenched Independent Fiscal Responsibility Council to monitor public expenditure and strengthen fiscal discipline. Dr Appiah explained that a constitutional framework would protect such a body from arbitrary suspension, unlike statutory bodies vulnerable to executive decisions, citing the suspension of the Fiscal Responsibility Act during COVID-19.

The Association also raised concerns over other CRC recommendations affecting the Public Service. CLOGSAG opposed proposals that would grant the Council of State authority to recruit, vet, or make binding nominations for senior public service positions, including the Head of the Civil Service and the Controller and Accountant General. The Association stressed that merit-based appointments should remain under the respective governing councils in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

Additionally, CLOGSAG urged amendment of Article 197 of the Constitution, replacing the permissive term “may” with “shall,” to compel the Public Services Commission to issue binding regulations governing public service management.

Regarding proposals linking the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives to population or economic thresholds, CLOGSAG argued such conditions could undermine equal political rights and restrict democratic participation.

While commending the CRC for its comprehensive work, CLOGSAG called for reconsideration of recommendations that could fragment institutional structures or weaken administrative coherence within the public service.

GHBUSS

4 March 2026