In a strongly worded letter to President John Dramani Mahama, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for the immediate reversal of the government’s decision to revoke the appointments of public servants recruited after December 7, 2024.
Afenyo-Markin’s letter, dated February 18, 2025, expresses deep concerns about the mass dismissals, which he believes contravene the country’s constitutional principles and erode public trust in state institutions.
Afenyo-Markin cited Articles 191, 296, and 23 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantee job security, fair exercise of discretionary powers, and just administrative decisions.
He also referenced the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), and the Public Services Commission Act, 1994, which mandate due process in employment matters.
The Minority Leader argued that the dismissals, conducted without individualized assessments or adherence to legal protocols, disregard these safeguards and undermine the rule of law.
The letter also highlighted the structured process of recruitment into public service, which involves rigorous procedures, including aptitude tests, medical examinations, and institutional requirements.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that many of those affected had begun the recruitment process well in advance, some as early as June 2024, and had met all necessary criteria.
He deemed it unfair and unjust to dismiss individuals solely based on their appointment dates, disregarding the merit-based processes they underwent.
Afenyo-Markin further noted that the development contradicts President Mahama’s vision of leading a Ghana that prioritizes inclusivity, national unity, and economic empowerment.
He expressed disappointment that, instead of expanding job opportunities, the administration is overseeing a wave of terminations, displacing hardworking Ghanaians from their existing livelihoods.
The Minority Leader urged President Mahama to remain consistent with his own convictions and act decisively to rectify the situation.
He drew attention to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Ghana Centre for Democratic Development & Ors. v Attorney General (TLP-SC-2023-140), which reaffirmed that the politically motivated removal of public servants violates constitutional principles.
Afenyo-Markin proposed three measures to address the situation: (1) withdrawal of the Chief of Staff’s directive, (2) recall of affected employees, and (3) monitoring and compliance by the Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment.
He emphasized that these actions would not only address the immediate injustices but also reinforce the administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusivity, and the rule of law.
The Minority Leader concluded by expressing his readiness to collaborate with the administration in addressing the concerns and advancing the shared aspirations of the Ghanaian people.
