The leadership of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has called on public sector workers to join hands to resist and fight any opposition against their Pension gratuities.

The call was made as part of the Association’s activities to mark the 2023 International Workers Day (May Day) in Accra.

At the event, a message read on his behalf, the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, stressed that, “As workers, we called for a better pensions scheme that would yield reasonable gratuities and we had Act 766, therefore, we are enjoined to hold on steadfastly, passionately and jealously guard and protect Act 766 which is yielding positive results”.

However, he said, “In spite of these obvious benefits under the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766), CLOGSAG together with The FORUM have had to surmount several obstacles in its implementation”.

Dr. Bampoe Addo, on behalf of leadership and membership of the Association, commended the Bediako Committee which brought into existence Act 766.

He recalled that, the outcry of public sector workers especially teachers and civil servants during the beginning of the 21st century to be reverted onto government’s pension under either CAP 30 (1951) or the Teachers’ Pension Ordinance 1952, led to the setting up of the Presidential Commission on Pensions (PCP) in 2004, chaired by the late Dr. T.A. Bediako.

According to him, recommendations made by the Commission were endorsed by Government and all Labour Unions which eventually culminated into the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766).

On this May Day, we salute the Bediako Committee which brought us Act 766. We resolve to resist and fight any force that would attempt to tamper with the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766), he said.

Among other recommendations by the Commission, the Executive Secretary, emphasized that by contributing towards a 3-Tier pension scheme, workers would receive gratuities or lumpsums that are comparable to or better than what is paid under Cap 30.

In a thanksgiving sermon, the Resident Pastor of CLOGSAG, Pas. Bayo, reiterated to members that “The cry of the labourer gets to the ears of God than the lazy man”, adding that, “the diligent work man or woman is acknowledged by God. Thus, our work and labour will not go in vain”. He stressed on the need to thank God for the grace to work daily to deliver on assigned duties at the workplace.

An Officer with the Estates Unit at the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), Mr. Sulemana Musah was adjudged the 2023 Best Worker of Greater Accra Region.

The Vice President, CLOGSAG, Mr. Seth Anim Boadi, presented a citation to the Awardee while the National 3rd Trustee, CLOGSAG, Madam Mariam Dankwa Mensah, presented a 43 inches Samsung Television set to him.

“Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) presents this 2023 Regional May Day Award to Mr. Sulemana Musah for your invaluable contributions to the activities of the Association in the Greater Accra Region”, the citation, signed by the Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, read.

Mr. Musah, expressed his profound gratitude to leadership for the honour done him and promised to keep up with the good work while in active service.

To enable participation of members in the annual event, regional celebrations and awards were held across the country.