A scathing letter from Minority leader Osahin Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has thrust the government’s recent public service dismissals into the national spotlight, challenging the constitutional legitimacy of mass terminations affecting employees appointed after December 7th, 2024.
In a strongly worded letter to President John Dramani Mahama, Afenyo-Markin argued that the widespread dismissals violate fundamental constitutional protections, particularly Articles 191, 296, and 23 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
He also pointed to the Labour Act and the Public Services Commission Act, emphasizing the need for due process in employment matters. The dismissals, he argues, undermine these legal safeguards and public trust in state institutions.
“These mass dismissals appear to contravene foundational legal principles and erode public trust in state institutions,” the letter asserts.
The letter underscored a striking irony, noting President Mahama’s past defence of workers’ rights.
Public service dismissals
The Minority leader argued that In 2017, the President condemned similar actions by the previous administration, stating, “These workers are all citizens and like all Ghanaians have rights, which must be protected.”
Afenyo-Markin urged President Mahama to remain consistent with his principles and act decisively to address the current situation.
He also referred to a landmark Supreme Court decision reaffirming that politically motivated dismissals violate constitutional principles. The ruling emphasized the importance of due process and constitutional rights, aligning with the author’s argument against the current wave of terminations.
He demanded three main actions: withdrawal of the Chief of Staff’s directive, reinstatement of affected employees, and monitoring by the Labour Minister to ensure compliance.
Afenyo-Markin suggests these steps would uphold the rule of law and good governance, aligning with the President’s inaugural promises of inclusivity and economic empowerment.
According to him, the situation poses significant economic and political risks as the job losses contradict the President’s vision of economic empowerment, potentially eroding public trust.
Afenyo-Markin warns that inaction could lead to prolonged legal battles, urging President Mahama to act to correct the constitutional breach and reaffirm his commitment to justice.
He urged the President to uphold constitutional principles and maintain public trust to significantly impact the administration’s image and the nation’s governance.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com