Mass Dismissal Sparks Legal Battle Against Attorney General and State Agencies
A group of forty former public sector employees has taken legal action against the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, and six key state institutions at the Accra High Court following their recent dismissals. The affected agencies include the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Lottery Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Shippers Council, and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). These workers argue that their terminations were both unlawful and politically motivated. Legal representation for the plaintiffs is being provided by Dame and Partners, a firm associated with former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Their dismissal follows a directive issued on February 10, 2025, by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, mandating the annulment of all appointments made after December 7, 2024. According to government sources, this action was taken to uphold governance standards, but it resulted in extensive job losses, prompting the legal challenge.
The lawsuit contends that the dismissals were unconstitutional, asserting that neither the President nor the Chief of Staff possesses the legal authority to remove public servants outside the specific conditions outlined in Article 191(b) of the Constitution. The plaintiffs maintain that the directive lacked due process and violated their rights as public employees. Their legal challenge aims to have the court declare the terminations null and void while also seeking their immediate reinstatement. In addition to their reinstatement, the group is demanding compensation for the financial and emotional distress caused by their sudden job losses. Furthermore, they request a legal injunction to prevent future politically driven dismissals within the civil service, ensuring that governance remains impartial and in line with constitutional provisions. The case is expected to test the legal boundaries of executive influence over public sector employment.
This lawsuit comes amid a broader political debate surrounding mass dismissals, with critics accusing the government of using the move as a tool for political retaliation. The opposition has strongly condemned the dismissals, with some comparing President Mahama’s actions to the fictional character “Terminator.” Others, such as Ntim Fordjour, have gone as far as alleging that the dismissals have led to extreme hardships, including loss of life among affected individuals. In response, government officials maintain that the measure was necessary to correct irregular appointments and promote fairness in public service employment. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for future governance practices regarding public sector appointments and dismissals. As the court proceedings unfold, the case is expected to draw significant public and political attention, with potential implications for employment stability within Ghana’s civil service. Meanwhile, the plaintiffs remain hopeful that justice will be served, emphasizing the need for adherence to legal frameworks in handling public sector employment matters.
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