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Forty former public sector employees have taken legal action against the government, claiming their dismissals were unlawful and politically motivated. The workers, who were employed in 2024, argue that their terminations violated the Constitution and due process.
Their sackings followed a directive from the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on February 10, 2025, which ordered public institutions to revoke all appointments made after December 7, 2024—the date of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections. The government justified the decision as a corrective measure to prevent last-minute hiring by the outgoing administration.
The dismissed workers, represented by Dame and Partners, have filed a lawsuit against the Attorney General and six state agencies, including:
- Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
- National Lottery Authority (NLA)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
- Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA)
- Ghana Shippers Council
- National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
The plaintiffs argue that neither the President nor the Chief of Staff has the constitutional power to dismiss public servants outside the conditions outlined in Article 191(b) of the Constitution. They are seeking:
- A declaration that their dismissals were unlawful
- Reinstatement to their positions
- Compensation for damages
- An injunction to prevent further politically motivated dismissals
The case has sparked widespread controversy, with opposition figures accusing the government of conducting a political purge of the civil service. Tafo MP, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, estimated that at least 5,000 public servants may have been unfairly removed from their positions.
“These individuals followed the proper recruitment process. Their dismissals are purely political, and it is unacceptable. But we believe in the rule of law, and justice will be served,” Assafuah stated.
The lawsuit is expected to be a landmark case, potentially reshaping public sector employment laws and executive powers in Ghana. The government is yet to issue an official response.
