Godfred Dame, the former Attorney General has dragged the John Mahama government to court over mass dismissal of public workers.
Godfred Dame is representing a group of some forty dismissed public sector employees.
A letter dated February 10, 2025, by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah directed all Heads of government institutions to nullify all appointments made by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration after December 7, 2024.
Julius Debrah wrote, “Consistent with Government pronouncement in relation to the near end of tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to bring to your attention that all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after 7th December 2024 are not in compliance with established good governance practices and principles,”
“Accordingly, all Heads of Government Institutions are hereby requested to take the necessary steps to annul any such appointments or recruitments”, the statement added.
Following the Chief of Staff directive issued on February 10, 2025, State institutions have acted in compliance, leading to widespread dismissals of appointments.
The former Attorney General claimed that the Chief of Staff’s directive exceeds constitutional authority, as Article 191(b) prohibits dismissals without “just cause.”
He additional detailed that many of the affected public sector workers were hired well before the December 7 elections.
The lawsuit is against the Attorney General the Ghana Revenue Authority, National Lottery Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers Council, and the National Health Insurance Authority.
The petitioners are seeking, a court ruling that their removals were unconstitutional, a declaration that the Chief of Staff’s directive is null and void, Immediate reinstatement and compensation for damages suffered and a permanent injunction preventing politically motivated terminations in the civil service.
Meanwhile the court is expected to set a date for trial in the coming weeks.
See lawsuit below:
