Ken Ofori-Atta Pays Tribute to Late CLOGSAG Boss, Recalls Collaboration During COVID-19

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has paid tribute to the late Dr Isaac Akuetteh Bampoe Addo, former Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), describing him as the “Lion King of CLOGSAG” and a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights.

In a tribute published in the funeral brochure for Dr Bampoe Addo and his twin brother, Sidney Nii Oko Bampoe Addo, Mr Ofori-Atta reflected on their professional relationship and the late labour leader’s contribution to national negotiations and policy discussions.

Dr Bampoe Addo died on August 21, 2026, aged 59, while his twin brother, Sidney, a Deputy Director at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, passed away on September 14, 2026, also aged 59.

Mr Ofori-Atta recalled working closely with Dr Bampoe Addo for seven years during his tenure as Finance Minister between 2017 and 2024. Their engagements included annual negotiations on the national daily minimum wage and the determination of base pay under the Public Service Joint Staff Negotiating Committee.

He also highlighted the establishment of quarterly engagements between the Ministries of Finance and Employment and organised labour, which eventually led to the formation of the Social Partnership Council.

According to the former minister, their relationship was particularly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis, which required difficult decisions on Ghana’s public debt and the introduction of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

Mr Ofori-Atta praised Dr Bampoe Addo’s contribution to negotiations surrounding the debt exchange, noting that he consistently defended the interests of union members while recognising the country’s broader economic challenges.

He described the late CLOGSAG leader as a thorough, bold and formidable negotiator whose preparation and ability to examine different proposals impressed government officials, international bankers and lawyers involved in the discussions.

The former minister further acknowledged Dr Bampoe Addo’s role in advancing workers’ rights, including CLOGSAG’s successful Supreme Court case affirming civil servants’ right to belong to political parties of their choice.

Describing him as a patriot who dedicated his life to serving workers and the nation, Mr Ofori-Atta expressed hope that Ghana would honour his contributions posthumously.

The final funeral rites for the brothers were held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on November 7, 2026.

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