A fresh political controversy has erupted in Parliament as the Minority calls on President John Dramani Mahama to reverse a directive ordering the dismissal of public sector employees hired after the December 7, 2024, elections.
The directive, issued by the Chief of Staff, has led to several state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Water Company Limited, GRIDCo, and the Ghana Health Service, terminating contracts of affected employees.
During a heated parliamentary session, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin criticized the decision, arguing that the recruitment process had begun before the elections and should not be treated as an event that could be undone at will.
He lamented that many affected workers, including teachers and healthcare professionals, had gone through rigorous selection processes, only to be dismissed, causing distress and financial uncertainty.
“They went to work only to be sent home with dismissal letters. How do they feed their families? How do they sustain themselves?” Afenyo-Markin questioned.
He referenced a 2017 statement by then-opposition leader Mahama, urging the President to remain consistent with his past stance on job security.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the directive, arguing that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration under Nana Akufo-Addo had deliberately overstaffed the public sector before leaving office, creating financial strain for the new government.
“It is reckless for an outgoing government to overload the public payroll, knowing very well that it is leaving office. What do you expect the incoming administration to do?” Ayariga said.
He maintained that the dismissals were necessary to manage the country’s wage bill effectively.
The directive has sparked debate among policymakers and affected employees, with many awaiting further clarification from the government.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
