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Forty former public sector employees have taken legal action against the government, challenging what they describe as politically motivated and wrongful terminations.
The affected workers, who were hired in 2024, argue that their dismissals violated constitutional provisions and due process. Their termination followed a directive issued on February 10, 2025, by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, ordering all public institutions to revoke appointments made after December 7, 2024—the day of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections.
According to the directive, the mass dismissals were necessary to uphold good governance, as the appointments made in the final days of the previous NPP administration were deemed irregular.
The plaintiffs, represented by Dame and Partners, a law firm associated with former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame, have filed their case against the Attorney General and six key state agencies:
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 asking the court to rule that their terminations were unlawful, arguing that neither the President nor the Chief of Staff has the constitutional power to remove public servants outside of the conditions stated in Article 191(b) of the Constitution.
They are seeking a declaration that the Chief of Staff’s directive is null and void, an order for their reinstatement, and compensation for the financial and emotional hardship caused by their sudden dismissals. Additionally, they want the court to prevent further politically motivated removals within the civil service.
Many of the dismissed workers insist they went through rigorous recruitment processes, including aptitude tests and interviews, before securing their positions. Some claim they were employed well before December 7 but were still affected by the directive.
The case has sparked political debate, with opposition figures rallying behind the dismissed employees. Tafo MP Ekow Vincent Assafuah has strongly condemned the dismissals, labeling them as politically motivated and unjust. He also suggested that the 40 plaintiffs represent only a fraction of those affected, estimating that at least 5,000 public sector workers have been removed under the Mahama-led administration.
“These individuals went through the right processes to secure their jobs. Their dismissals are purely political, and it is unacceptable. But we believe in the rule of law, and I have no doubt that justice will be served,” Assafuah stated.
The lawsuit is expected to be a major legal battle, testing the limits of executive power in public sector appointments. With growing tensions and the opposition intensifying its criticisms, the case could have significant implications for governance and employment policies in Ghana.
The government has yet to officially respond to the lawsuit.
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