Fired Public Workers Sue Government Over Political Dismissals

Forty dismissed public sector employees have taken legal action against the Government of Ghana, challenging what they describe as politically motivated mass terminations.

The affected individuals, represented by Dame and Partners, a law firm linked to former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame argue that their dismissals were unlawful and violated constitutional protections for public sector workers.

The controversy stems from a directive issued on February 10, 2025, by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah. The directive instructed all public institutions to revoke appointments made after December 7, 2024, the day of Ghana’s general elections.

Government officials defended the move as a governance measure to prevent last-minute appointments that could be deemed irregular. However, the dismissed employees argue that they were legally appointed in 2024 and that their removal was unconstitutional.

The lawsuit which has been filed against the Attorney General and six key state agencies challenges the legality of the dismissals. The state institutions named in the suit include:
• 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 dismissed employees are basing their case on Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which public servants can be lawfully removed. They argue that their terminations did not follow due process and were driven by political motives rather than legal grounds.

The dismissed workers are asking the court for:
1. A ruling that their dismissals were unconstitutional.
2. A declaration that the Chief of Staff’s directive is null and void.
3. Immediate reinstatement to their positions and compensation for damages suffered.
4. A permanent injunction preventing politically motivated terminations in the civil service.

The court is expected to set a hearing date in the coming weeks. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for employment security in Ghana’s public sector and could set a precedent for future government transitions.

This legal battle has sparked national debate with some arguing that the government must have the power to review last-minute appointments, while others insist that public sector employees should not be dismissed without due process.

As the case unfolds many will be watching closely to see whether the courts uphold the dismissals or rule in favor of the affected employees.