Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament for Effutu and Minority Leader, has strongly condemned the recent mass dismissals within the public service, affecting workers across key state institutions.
In a formal letter addressed to President John Mahama, Afenyo-Markin raised concerns over the legality and fairness of the terminations, urging the administration to reconsider its actions.
The dismissals were carried out following directives from the Chief of Staff in a letter dated February 10, 2025.
The Minority Leader argued that these actions violate constitutional provisions safeguarding the rights of public servants, particularly Article 191 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees job security.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that “Article 296 demands that discretionary powers be exercised fairly,” while “Article 23 upholds the principle that administrative decisions must be just, reasonable, and devoid of capriciousness.”
He also cited the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and the Public Services Commission Act, 1994, which mandate due process in employment-related decisions.
According to him, the mass terminations were executed without individualized assessments, a move that undermines the legal framework governing public employment.
Furthermore, the MP pointed out that recruitment into the public service is a structured, ongoing process rather than a single event.
He noted that many of those dismissed had initiated their employment processes well before the December 7, 2024, elections—some as early as June 2024.
According to him, these individuals underwent rigorous selection procedures, including aptitude tests and medical examinations, and were appointed based on merit.
“It is, therefore, unfair and unjust to dismiss individuals solely based on their appointment date, disregarding the merit-based processes they underwent.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Contradiction to the 24-Hour Economy Vision
The Minority Leader also questioned the consistency of the dismissals with President Mahama’s economic vision.
He recalled that during his inauguration on January 7, 2025, the President had committed to a governance approach centered on inclusivity, national unity, and economic empowerment.
The flagship 24-hour economy policy, Afenyo-Markin noted, was meant to serve as a beacon of hope for employment creation.
“It is deeply disappointing that, rather than expanding job opportunities, your administration is now overseeing a wave of terminations, displacing hardworking Ghanaians from their existing livelihoods.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
He further reminded the President of his own past condemnation of similar dismissals.
In May 2017, Mahama criticized the then-administration for terminating public sector workers, asserting that “These workers are all citizens and like all Ghanaians have rights, which must be protected.”
As such, Afenyo-Markin challenged the President to remain consistent with this stance.
Afenyo-Markin also referenced a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Ghana Centre for Democratic Development & Ors. v Attorney General (TLP-SC-2023-140), delivered by Justice Amegasicher, J.S.C.
The court, he noted, had reaffirmed that politically motivated removals of public servants violate constitutional principles and undermine due process.
The current dismissals, he argued, mirror the unconstitutional overreach the ruling sought to correct.
In light of these concerns, the Minority Leader urged the President to take immediate action by withdrawing the Chief of Staff’s directive to halt the mass dismissals, thereby restoring public confidence in state institutions.
He also called for the reinstatement of all affected employees to their respective positions to ensure fairness and justice in the employment process.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to mandate the Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment to monitor compliance and submit a comprehensive report to Parliament within 30 days.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that while affected individuals could seek legal redress through Articles 2(1) and 130 of the Constitution, swift intervention by the President would prevent unnecessary litigation.
“Demonstrating statesmanship at this moment by addressing these concerns proactively will not only correct a constitutional wrong but also reaffirm your commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Reaffirming his willingness to collaborate with the administration on issues of national interest, he cautioned that the Minority would continue to hold the government accountable whenever it deemed actions detrimental to good governance and the welfare of Ghanaians.
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