Afenyo-Markin challenges public sector job revocations, urges Mahama to ensure fairness

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly protested the revocation of public sector appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024, calling the move a violation of constitutional and legal safeguards protecting public servants.

In a letter dated February 18, 2025, addressed to President John Dramani Mahama, Afenyo-Markin expressed deep concerns over the recent dismissals of public servants across key institutions in the country. These dismissals, he noted, were based on directives issued by the Chief of Staff in a letter referenced SCR/DA85/85/01/A, dated February 10, 2025.

Afenyo-Markin argued that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana explicitly protects public sector workers from arbitrary dismissal. He cited:

• Article 191, which guarantees job security for public servants.
• Article 296, which requires that discretionary powers be exercised fairly and reasonably.
• Article 23, which upholds justice and impartiality in administrative decisions.

Additionally, he referenced the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and the Public Services Commission Act, 1994, both of which mandate due process in employment-related decisions. According to the Minority Leader, the mass dismissals lacked individual assessments and failed to follow legal protocols, thereby undermining public trust in state institutions.

Afenyo-Markin emphasized that recruitment into the public sector is a structured process, not a one-time event. Many individuals whose appointments were revoked had initiated their recruitment process months before December 7, 2024. Some had undergone extensive vetting procedures, including:

• Aptitude tests
• Medical examinations
• Other institutional requirements

He stressed that individuals who had successfully completed these assessments and met all criteria were rightfully given appointments. The decision to revoke their appointments solely based on the date of recruitment, rather than merit or due process, he argued, was a clear disregard for procedural integrity.

The Minority Leader urged President Mahama to reconsider the revocation directive, emphasizing the need to adhere to legal and constitutional principles.

He cautioned that failing to follow due process could set a dangerous precedent, affecting public confidence in government institutions and Ghana’s democracy.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Presidency regarding the concerns raised by the Minority Leader. 

Read the Minority Leader’s full letter below:

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