A faction of disgruntled members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has accused the union’s top executives of massive corruption, financial mismanagement, and abuse of power. The group is demanding the immediate resignation of Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo and Acting President Benjamin Otto, citing fraudulent withdrawals, illegal deductions, and the mismanagement of members’ pension funds.

At a press conference in Accra, the Aggrieved CLOGSAG Members described the recent strike called by CLOGSAG leadership as a distraction from their corrupt dealings, urging the government to disregard any negotiations with the current executives.

CLOGSAG Strike a Total Failure

The group revealed that most CLOGSAG members refused to participate in the strike declared on February 20, 2025, reaffirmed on February 24, 2025, because it lacked merit and was orchestrated to serve the personal interests of the leadership.

“CLOGSAG leadership has lost touch with the real challenges facing ordinary members. Instead of fighting for better wages and improved conditions, they are focused on illegal withdrawals and shady deals,” the spokesperson stated.

Key Allegations Against CLOGSAG Leadership

1. Failure to Implement the Enhanced Salary Structure (ESS)

• The Enhanced Salary Structure (ESS), expected to be implemented in January 2023, has been deliberately delayed until January 2025 with no progress.
• Despite past strikes, members have seen no real salary improvements, exposing the incompetence of CLOGSAG leadership.

2. Illegal Withdrawal of GHC 14.3 Million from Pension Funds

• The Executive Secretary and Acting President unilaterally withdrew GHC 14,323,088.88 from the CLOGSAG Pension Fund, violating:
  • The CLOGSAG Constitution
  • The Public Financial Management Act (2016), Act 921
  • The Public Procurement Act (2003), Act 663
  • Other financial laws governing union funds.
• The group has documentary evidence to support these claims.

3. Unauthorized Deductions from Members’ Salaries

• Since February 2023, CLOGSAG executives have been illegally deducting Tier 3 contributions from members’ salaries without their consent.
• These deductions violate the National Pensions Act (2008), Act 766.
• The case is in court, with the next hearing scheduled for March 24-25, 2025.

4. Fraudulent Withdrawal of GHC 500,000

• The Executive Secretary and Acting President allegedly forged bank documents to illegally withdraw GHC 500,000 from CLOGSAG’s Access Bank account.
• The Police CID is currently investigating the matter.

5. Manipulation of Members’ Investment Returns

• Treasury Bills offer 26-28% interest annually, but CLOGSAG members receive only 14-18%.
• Meanwhile, members taking loans from their own CLOGSAG contributions are charged 22% interest.
• The group demanded accountability, asking: “Where does the rest of the investment returns go?”

6. Diversion of CLOGSAG Business Revenue

• Income generated from the CLOGSAG Band and Nathan Quao Auditorium has been diverted into a secret bank account controlled by the Executive Secretary.

7. Illegal Takeover of Pempamsie Hotel

• The Executive Secretary changed the hotel’s legal status, making himself the sole owner and appointing himself Executive Director with a hefty salary.

8. Acting President Not a Legitimate CLOGSAG Member

The group provided evidence that Benjamin Otto is not a legitimate CLOGSAG member, arguing that:

• He is a Chartered Accountant working for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
• He does not pay CLOGSAG dues.
• He does not contribute to Tier 2, Tier 3, or the CLOGSAG Pension Fund.
• GRA employees are not eligible for CLOGSAG membership under Labour Act (2003), Act 651.

9. Retirees Running CLOGSAG Affairs

• The group expressed outrage that many key positions in CLOGSAG are occupied by retirees, some of whom retired over 15 years ago.
• The following retired officials still hold leadership positions:
  • Kojo Krakani – Deputy Executive Secretary (retired 7 years ago)
  • J. N. O. Ankrah – Director of Budget & Finance (retired 15 years ago)
  • Daniel Amamoo – Director of Administration (retired)
  • Nii Ayi Oku – Director of Operations (retired 3 years ago)
  • George Mensah – Director of Pensions (retired)
  • Kwame Asamoah Dwomoh – Director of Complaints (retired 6 years ago)
• The group demanded that all retirees step down immediately, stating that a labour union should be led by active members.

10. Double Salary Scandal

• Despite being employed full-time at CLOGSAG since 2011, the Executive Secretary has allegedly continued to receive a government salary, effectively earning double salaries illegally.

Aggrieved CLOGSAG Members’ Demands

The group issued the following demands:

1. Immediate resignation of Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo and Acting President Benjamin Otto.
2. Termination of illegal Tier 3 deductions and a full refund with interest.
3. All retirees in CLOGSAG leadership must step down immediately.
4. A forensic audit of all CLOGSAG accounts, assets, and investments.
5. Immediate organization of national elections, as ordered by the High Court ruling on April 30, 2024 (Suit No. GV0306/2023).
6. Completion of police investigations into the fraudulent withdrawal of GHC 500,000.

Planned Petitions to Government and Security Agencies

The group announced that they will petition the following institutions in the coming days:

• President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama
• National Labour Commission (NLC)
• Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment
• National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA)
• Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
• Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO)
• National Intelligence Bureau (NIB)

A Call to Action

The Aggrieved CLOGSAG Members urged all members to join the fight against corruption, warning that their future and pensions are at risk.

“CLOGSAG is being run like a private business for the benefit of a few individuals while ordinary members suffer. If we do not act now, we will regret it when we retire with nothing.”

They vowed to intensify their fight until justice is served, warning that if their demands are ignored, they will explore all legal and democratic means to remove the current leadership.

LONG LIVE CLOGSAG! LONG LIVE GHANA!

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