The Minority in Parliament has launched a scathing critique of the Bank of Ghana’s recent dismissal of over 100 staff members, branding the move as a politically motivated purge that undermines Ghana’s democracy, violates the Constitution, and destroys livelihoods.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Minority MPs accused the central bank of executing mass terminations based on a controversial directive from the Office of the President, which they say amounts to unlawful interference in the public service.
Targeted for Political Reasons?
The dismissals, which affected employees legally appointed after December 7, 2024, appear to follow a directive from the Chief of Staff ordering the revocation of all post-election public sector appointments. The Minority argues that this directive lacks any constitutional or legal basis and constitutes blatant political victimisation.
“Public service appointments are not political spoils,” they emphasized. “This is a clear case of executive overreach, and we will not allow state institutions to become tools for settling political scores.”
Legal and Constitutional Violations
Citing Articles 23 and 24 of the 1992 Constitution, the Minority insisted that the dismissals breached workers’ rights to fair treatment, legal due process, and security of tenure.
They also pointed to provisions under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), arguing that the Bank of Ghana failed to follow the legally mandated procedures for redundancy or lawful termination — including consultation, notice, and compensation.
Even claims that some of the workers were on probation do not hold water, according to the Minority, as probationary status still requires fair assessments and documentation.
Parliament Undermined
Beyond the dismissals themselves, the Minority expressed dismay that the central bank acted in defiance of parliamentary oversight. A motion for a full inquiry into the terminations had already been filed in Parliament, yet the bank proceeded regardless — a move the Minority described as “contemptuous and disrespectful to Ghana’s legislative authority.”
“This is not only illegal but a brazen affront to our democracy,” said First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, adding that such disregard for Parliament sets a dangerous precedent.
Moral and Human Cost
The Minority also highlighted the broader human impact of the terminations, stressing that most of those dismissed are young professionals, parents, and breadwinners who now face financial instability and emotional distress.
“This is not just a legal matter. It’s a moral one,” they stressed. “We are watching the lives of innocent Ghanaians shattered at the whim of political expediency.”
Demands and Next Steps
In response, the Minority issued five key demands:
- Immediate Reinstatement of all affected workers.
- Parliamentary Summons for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana to explain the dismissals.
- Urgent Action by the National Labour Commission, CHRAJ, and the Chief Labour Officer.
- Legal Support for dismissed workers to challenge the action in court.
- Full Parliamentary Inquiry to investigate the matter and recommend sanctions if necessary.
A Warning to Institutions
The Minority ended with a stern warning to state institutions against allowing themselves to be politicised or manipulated.
“The Bank of Ghana must not be reduced to an extension of political power,” they said. “This fight is not just about 100 people — it is about preserving our democratic values and the sanctity of public institutions.”
They vowed to pursue every legal and parliamentary channel available until justice is served and the dismissed workers are reinstated.
