The acting Managing Director of Blue Gold (FGR/Blue Gold), Yiadom Boakye Amponsah, has cautioned that the ongoing nationwide strike by members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) risks causing irreversible setbacks for citizens who depend on government services.
Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk on Tuesday, 10 March, Mr Amponsah stressed that beyond the labour dispute, the disruption of public services could prevent some Ghanaians from accessing critical opportunities that cannot be reclaimed once the strike ends.
“But suppose someone urgently needs a birth certificate, and the strike delays the process—what happens then?” he asked. “After the strike, that opportunity is gone. The person cannot go back and do what they needed to do. They’ve lost that chance.”
CLOGSAG members launched an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday, 9 March, citing persistent delays in implementing previously agreed conditions of service.
Mr Amponsah noted that the dispute had been simmering for several months and should have been resolved earlier through proper industrial engagement between management and the union.
“Industrial relations are fluid—you don’t wait until situations escalate before taking action,” he said, adding that labour concerns must be addressed as soon as they arise.
He highlighted that issues around salaries and conditions of service are fundamental in the workplace and should never be allowed to escalate to the point where workers withdraw their services.
“Both unions and employers have responsibilities in preventing such disruptions,” he explained. “The union must formally raise its concerns, and the employer must proactively engage to resolve grievances.”
Mr Amponsah revealed that a meeting aimed at resolving the impasse is scheduled for Wednesday. He urged CLOGSAG to suspend the strike and participate in the dialogue.
“My appeal to the union is to stand down, attend the meeting, and take it from there. Whatever the issue is, it will be resolved,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as a national tendency to overlook the importance of industrial relations.
“As a nation, we do not take labour relations seriously. Industrial relations in the workplace are like the oil in your car—it’s essential,” he said, adding that institutions should establish dedicated offices to maintain healthy relations between management and staff, preventing disputes from escalating into nationwide disruptions.