CLOGSAG Reviews Constitutional Review Committee’s Final Report, Raises Key Concerns

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Publish By : Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah

The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has presented a detailed review of the final recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), outlining areas of concern and proposing amendments aimed at safeguarding professionalism, meritocracy, and institutional coherence within the public service.

In a summary titled “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy,” CLOGSAG indicated that its assessment focused particularly on proposals affecting the neutrality, professionalism, and efficiency of Ghana’s public services — described as the central machinery of government.

Accountant-General’s Department Should Remain Under Finance Ministry

One of the major issues raised relates to proposals concerning the Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).

CLOGSAG disagreed with suggestions that the Department be elevated to an independent constitutional body. According to the Association, the CAGD operates as an implementation agency under the Ministry of Finance and plays a critical role in executing government financial policies.

The Association warned that granting the Department independent status could create institutional overlap and disrupt efficient financial administration.

CLOGSAG also rejected proposals that would involve the Council of State in nominating the Accountant-General for presidential appointment. The Association argued that departmental appointments should remain within established governance structures, where governing councils possess the institutional memory and expertise to vet and appoint qualified candidates on merit.

While welcoming parliamentary oversight in principle, CLOGSAG maintained that such oversight should align with existing provisions under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which already empowers Parliament to monitor government expenditure.

Call to Retain Key Constitutional Provisions

The Association recommended retaining Article 178(2) of the Constitution to ensure that no monies are withdrawn from public funds without parliamentary authorization. It further suggested strengthening constitutional language to promote accountability and effective governance within the public services.

Appointment of Head of the Civil Service

CLOGSAG strongly objected to the CRC’s proposal granting the Council of State the authority to recruit and appoint the Head of the Civil Service with assistance from the Public Services Commission.

Instead, the Association proposed aligning the appointment process with Article 195(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which vests appointment powers in the President acting on the advice of the relevant governing council in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

According to CLOGSAG, if the aim of the reform is to depoliticize the public service and promote merit-based leadership, amendments should focus on strengthening binding nomination procedures within the existing constitutional framework rather than introducing new special arrangements.

Concerns Over Further Public Service Classification

The Association also expressed reservations about proposals to expand constitutional classification of public services, warning that this could create unnecessary disputes and opportunities for discretionary manipulation in appointments.

CLOGSAG argued that strengthening existing governance systems would be more effective than introducing additional constitutional layers.

Opposition to Proposed Independent Devolution Commission

Another major concern relates to the proposed creation of an Independent Devolution Commission.

CLOGSAG maintained that Ghana already has statutory bodies and coordination mechanisms responsible for policy oversight and inter-sectoral collaboration. The Association cited structures such as the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) established under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), as well as the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).

Creating an additional commission, it said, would increase administrative costs, risk institutional fragmentation, and duplicate existing functions. The Association instead recommended strengthening current institutions to ensure efficiency and fiscal responsibility.

CLOGSAG acknowledged the Constitutional Review Committee’s comprehensive and forward-looking work, noting that many of its proposals align with efforts to transition Ghana from an electoral democracy to a developmental democracy focused on measurable improvements in citizens’ quality of life.

However, the Association emphasized that reforms must be carefully implemented to avoid institutional incoherence, duplication of roles, and threats to the professionalism of the public service.

It reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement to ensure constitutional reforms strengthen governance structures and deliver sustainable national development outcomes.