Dismissed workers share ordeals as Coalition pushes for justice

A group of dismissed workers from the National Premix Secretariat, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service, and other public institutions have shared their struggles following President John Dramani Mahama’s revocation of appointments and recruitments made in Ghana’s Public Service by the former Akufo-Addo administration after the December 7, 2024 elections.

The affected workers voiced their grievances when they met with the Fight for Justice Coalition at the Dr. Daniel McKorley Moot Courtroom on Monday, March 3, 2025.

The dismissed employees, numbering 19 from the National Premix Secretariat alone, described the ordeal of losing their jobs and the impact on their livelihoods. They expressed their frustration over what they perceive as an “unjust and abrupt” termination of their appointments.

Workers’ accounts

A dismissed worker from the National Premix Secretariat emphasised the distress caused by the revocation of their appointments. “The day we were dismissed, I asked them why they called us all the way from different parts of the country—Axim, Bole Bamboi, Kasoa—just to tell us we were no longer employed. I personally drove myself from Axim, only to be informed of my termination upon arrival. I questioned them about how I was supposed to return home under such circumstances,” he lamented.

He stated that recruitment into the National Premix Secretariat was based on regional coverage, with workers assigned to multiple districts. “Our job is structured in a way that each of us manages several districts—some handle three, others four. If they wanted to introduce new people, they could have simply restructured without dismissing us. But instead, they told us that the decision came from higher authorities and was beyond their control,” he added.

Another affected worker from the National Premix Secretariat described how the sudden job loss had disrupted his financial stability. “I relocated for this job. I took out loans, made plans, and now, just like that, I am out of work with no explanation. How do I pay my rent and provide for my family? We dedicated ourselves to this work, and now we are left stranded,” he said.

Furthermore, a worker at the National Premix Secretariat recounted how the dismissal process lacked transparency. “They called us and made us sit in a meeting where we were informed that we had been dismissed. There was no prior warning, no justification. We have families, we have responsibilities. They acted like we were disposable,” he narrated.

Other institutions affected

The dismissals extended beyond the National Premix Secretariat. Workers from the Ghana TVET Service and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) also shared their experiences.

A former Ghana TVET Service employee spoke about the emotional toll of losing his job. “Many of us sacrificed a lot to secure these jobs. We believed in the promises made by the government regarding employment, yet here we are, unemployed and uncertain about our future. We are seeking justice, not just for ourselves but for the integrity of the public sector,” the affected person stated.

A dismissed worker from the GRA indicated the broader impact of the terminations. “This is not just about us as individuals. It’s about the precedent being set. If workers can be dismissed without due process, then no one’s job is safe. Today, it’s us—tomorrow, it could be someone else. We need to stand up against this injustice,” he urged.

Another affected GRA worker echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the need for transparency in public sector employment. “I joined the GRA believing that I had a stable career ahead of me. Now, I’m being forced to start over, with no explanation as to why I was let go. This is unfair, and we demand answers,” he said.

Coalition’s commitment

The Fight for Justice Coalition, through its convenors Dr. Frank Bannor and Dr. Kwasi Nyame Baafi, assured the dismissed workers of their commitment to seeking justice. The Coalition outlined a plan to engage legal experts, petition the institutions involved, and take the matter to foreign embassies to apply international pressure on the Ghanaian government.

Dr. Bannor reiterated that the Coalition would not rest until the affected workers received the justice they deserved. “We will explore all legal and diplomatic channels to ensure that these unlawful dismissals are addressed,” he assured.

For his part, Dr. Kwasi Nyame-Baafi reinforced the need for collective action. He described the Coalition as a “family group” determined to push for policy reforms that would prevent future unjust dismissals. He noted that government decisions were often influenced and driven by public sentiments, particularly during budget preparations.

Accordingly, he stressed that this was a crucial moment to demand accountability from the country’s leadership. “This is the right time to make sure our voices are heard so that the right thing is done. We have all been affected in one way or the other. If we remain silent, nothing will change. But if we channel our grievances to the right authorities and let them understand the hardships these unlawful dismissals are causing, we can make a difference,” he added.

The post Dismissed workers share ordeals as Coalition pushes for justice first appeared on 3News.

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