The Supreme Court has issued a ruling asserting that civil servants are prohibited from overtly engaging in politics, leading to claims that Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, is violating the constitution by participating in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Professor Kwaku Asare, a private legal practitioner, has urged the Attorney-General to intervene.
Professor Asare emphasized the Supreme Court's stance, stating, “The Supreme Court was clear, you cannot join the campaign of a political party, you cannot pick forms to run for a political party unless you have resigned from the civil service.”
He expressed surprise that the Attorney-General has not taken action against Mr. Kwaning-Bosompem, asserting that such actions are a violation of the constitution.
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOGSAG) has echoed these sentiments, demanding the resignation of the Controller and Accountant-General for engaging in partisan politics.
According to Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of CLOGSAG, Civil Service regulations in Ghana strictly prohibit civil servants from participating in active partisan politics while still in service.
Mr. Bampoe Addo highlighted the Supreme Court's Neutrality Act of 2017, emphasizing that civil servants are not allowed to indulge in partisan activities.
He drew attention to past dismissals of civil servants engaged in such activities and called for similar consequences for Mr. Kwaning-Bosompem.
The Controller and Accountant-General picked nomination forms for the NPP's parliamentary primaries in the Akim Swedru Constituency, sparking controversy and calls for his resignation.
CLOGSAG's Executive Secretary concluded, “The Constitution says that as and when your political colors are overtly known, you must leave the Service.”
