40 former public workers sue gov't over alleged unlawful dismissals

Forty former public sector employees are suing the government.

They claim wrongful and politically motivated terminations.

The workers were hired in 2024 and say their dismissals violated their rights.

They argue that due process was not followed in their firings.

These dismissals followed a directive from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on February 10, 2025.

This directive ordered public institutions to cancel appointments made after December 7, 2024.

That date marks Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

The government defends its actions as necessary for good governance.

It claims last-minute appointments by the former NPP administration were improper.

The plaintiffs are represented by Dame and Partners, a law firm linked to ex-Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.

They are suing the Attorney General and six state agencies, including:
- Ghana Revenue Authority
- National Lottery Authority
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
- Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
- Ghana Shippers Council
- National Health Insurance Authority

The workers argue that neither the President nor the Chief of Staff can dismiss public servants outside Article 191(b).

They seek a court ruling declaring their terminations illegal.

They also want to nullify the Chief of Staff’s directive, be reinstated, and receive compensation for hardship.

Additionally, they demand an injunction against future politically motivated purges in civil service.

Many affected employees underwent strict hiring processes with tests and interviews before getting hired.

Some insist they were employed before December 7 but still faced dismissal under the directive.