CAGD Union Battles CLOGSAG Over Autonomy Proposal

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department Workers’ Union (CAGDWU) has flatly rejected the opposition by the Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, to the recommendation by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) to grant autonomy to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).

According to the Union, Mr. Bampoe Addo’s position does not in any way represent the views or interests of professional staff within the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, who are directly involved in the management of Ghana’s financial resources and understand the operational challenges confronting the institution.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Muniru Mohammed, Interim President; Becky Ayiku Otuo, Interim General Secretary; Abdul Razak Mohammed, Interim Financial Controller; and Gershon Ntsri, Interim Organiser, the Union insisted that the recommendation by the Constitutional Review Committee followed extensive national consultations and a comprehensive assessment of the critical role the Department plays in Ghana’s financial administration.

“The CRC has undertaken wide consultation and a comprehensive assessment of the important role CAGD plays as a manager of Ghana’s financial resources before recommending autonomy for the Department,” the statement emphasised.

The Union explained that the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department already has a recognised workers’ union capable of protecting the rights and professional interests of its members, stressing that any transition of staff from CLOGSAG would not adversely affect their conditions of service.

CAGDWU further assured workers that it remained firmly committed to defending their welfare and professional interests, adding that it would take all necessary lawful steps to ensure that no action or policy undermines the rights and well-being of its members.

Throwing its full weight behind the autonomy proposal, the Union argued that granting independence to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department would significantly strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance professional integrity and align Ghana’s public financial management systems with international best practices.

The statement also dismissed claims by CLOGSAG that granting autonomy could lead to “constitutional confusion”.

It said, that independence would rather bring clarity of purpose, faster decision-making and improved service delivery.

According to the Union, the autonomy would remove bureaucratic and political bottlenecks that often slow down financial management processes within government and hinder efficient management of public funds.

The CAGDWU maintained that the independence of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department was a constitutional necessity aimed at strengthening accountability and professionalism in the management of government finances.

The Union warned that attempts by any individual or group to obstruct the autonomy process would be firmly resisted.

It, therefore, called on Parliament, civil society organisations and the general public to support the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendation to grant autonomy to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.

The Union maintained that the reform would enhance operational efficiency, safeguard national resources and strengthen fiscal governance in the country.

CAGDWU also urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the successful implementation of the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendation.

By Edmund Gyebi

The post CAGD Union Battles CLOGSAG Over Autonomy Proposal appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

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