Bagbin Directs Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Sector Terminations

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has instructed the Majority Leader to formally list a motion calling for a parliamentary inquiry into the government’s termination of public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024.

The directive follows a February 10, 2025, circular from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah ordering all government institutions to revoke appointments made after the general election date. The Majority Caucus has moved to block the motion, citing the sub judice rule which prevents parliamentary debate on matters currently before the courts.

In March 2025, forty former public sector employees filed suit challenging what they describe as wrongful and politically motivated dismissals. The workers, represented by Dame and Partners, argue their terminations violated constitutional provisions and due process.

The affected individuals held positions at institutions including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Shippers Authority, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, National Lottery Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Their appointment letters were dated between October 2024 and January 5, 2025.

Chief of Staff Debrah justified the mass terminations in his directive, asserting that late stage appointments under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration were irregular and not in compliance with established good governance practices. Government institutions were instructed to submit comprehensive reports on actions taken by February 17, 2025.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) called on President John Dramani Mahama to halt the terminations, warning they could devastate young Ghanaians who secured their first employment. The union noted that some workers had been on contract for five years or more and only had their appointments regularized in December 2024.

Labour consultant Austin Gamey defended the directive on Eyewitness News on February 13, 2025, arguing the previous administration failed to ensure transparency during the transition process. Gamey stated the former government did not disclose the large number of recent appointments during transition meetings.

The plaintiffs are seeking court declarations that their dismissals were unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void. They want orders quashing the terminations and reinstating them to their positions with compensation for losses.

The suit names the Attorney General and six state agencies as defendants. Many affected workers claim they underwent rigorous recruitment processes before the December 7 cutoff date.

The sub judice rule invoked by the Majority Caucus is a parliamentary convention preventing debate on matters before the courts to avoid interference with judicial proceedings. Parliamentary Standing Orders typically restrict discussion of cases pending judgment.

President Mahama granted amnesty to individuals recruited by the previous administration who are currently undergoing training with security agencies. The TUC urged similar amnesty for all appointments made by the previous government.

Article 191 of the 1992 Constitution prohibits the politicization of public services. The affected workers contend their dismissals violate this provision along with constitutional protections for due process.

The NPP administration under President Nana Akufo Addo completed its term on January 7, 2025, when President Mahama was inaugurated following his victory in the December 7, 2024, elections. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) won approximately 56 percent of votes while also securing a parliamentary majority with 183 seats compared to 88 for the NPP.