Storm at CLOGSAG: Executive Secretary Accused of Financial Mismanagement and Abuse of Power

The leadership of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has been hit by a storm of controversy following a damning petition filed against its Executive Secretary, Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo. The petition, signed by Acting National Treasurer Ernest Tagoe and Acting 1st National Trustee Emmanuel Acquah, accuses Mr. Addo of unilateral decisions, misappropriation of funds, and severe breaches of the association’s constitution.

NEC meeting was held yesterday but, the accused officers (Mr Bompoe and Mr Otto) allegedly imposed suspension of the Petitioners on the NEC despite attempt by members stop them from acting unfairly.

Highlights of the Petition

Unauthorized Withdrawals from Pension Funds

The Executive Secretary and the Acting President are accused of withdrawing over GHS 14.3 million from CLOGSAG’s pension fund to purchase vehicles for regional offices. The petitioners claim this transaction lacked NEC approval and violated the association’s constitution, which mandates adherence to the Public Procurement Act.

Secret Bank Accounts and Mismanagement of Revenue

The petition alleges that revenue from association-owned entities such as the Nathan Quao Auditorium, the welfare shop, and the CLOGSAG Band is funneled into undisclosed accounts managed by the Executive Secretary. It further claims that the welfare shop is run by Mr. Addo’s family members, raising concerns about nepotism.

Excessive Wage Bill and Double Salaries

The petitioners expressed alarm over a monthly wage bill exceeding GHS 400,000, which they attribute to the Executive Secretary’s hiring practices. They claim some staff members are employed by Hedge Pensions Trust, an independent entity, but are paid by CLOGSAG. Mr. Addo is also accused of drawing salaries from multiple sources, including Hedge Pensions Trust and Pempamsie Hotel, in addition to his role at CLOGSAG.

Neglect of Regional Development Projects

Key regional projects, including the completion of office buildings in Western North and Oti regions and the protection of association-acquired lands, have reportedly been abandoned. The petitioners accuse Mr. Addo of prioritizing personal expenditures, such as lavish birthday celebrations, over these crucial initiatives.

Depletion of Investment Funds

An investment fund valued at GHS 16 million between 2015 and 2019 is unaccounted for, according to the petition. The petitioners claim repeated attempts to seek clarification from Mr. Addo were met with unsatisfactory responses.

Re-Incorporation of Hedge Pensions Trust and Pempamsie Hotel

The petitioners allege that Mr. Addo re-registered Hedge Pensions Trust and Pempamsie Hotel as private entities under his control, effectively transferring ownership away from CLOGSAG members. This has led to a lack of accountability and transparency regarding the operations of these businesses.

Calls for Accountability

The petitioners are urging the NEC to take immediate action to investigate these allegations and impose appropriate sanctions. They warn that failure to act could result in widespread discontent among members and potential legal challenges against the association.

Reactions and Implications

The petition has sent shockwaves through CLOGSAG, with many members expressing outrage and demanding answers. “These are serious allegations that cannot be ignored,” said a senior member of the association who wished to remain anonymous.

Civil society groups and labor organizations have also weighed in, calling for greater accountability in the management of labor unions. “The integrity of CLOGSAG’s leadership is crucial not only for its members but for the credibility of the labor movement in Ghana,” remarked a representative of the Trades Union Congress.

Next Steps

As investigations unfold, this case could mark a turning point in the governance of CLOGSAG, setting a precedent for how member-driven organizations address allegations of corruption and mismanagement.