The recent dismissal of over 100 staff members of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has sparked a heated controversy, with the Minority in Parliament vehemently condemning the action as a blatant disregard for the Constitution and labor laws of Ghana. The Minority’s critique centers on the alleged illegality of the dismissals, emphasizing the lack of due process, legal justification, and proper engagement with the affected employees. They argue that these individuals, duly hired and vetted, were contributing significantly to national development and their abrupt termination undermines the principles of fair labor practices and constitutional governance. The Minority’s stance reflects a broader concern about potential political motivations behind the dismissals, raising questions about the integrity and independence of public institutions.
At the heart of the dispute lies a directive issued by the Chief of Staff on February 11, 2025, which called for the cancellation of all public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024. The Minority contends that this directive lacks constitutional basis and cannot be used to justify the arbitrary termination of legitimate employment contracts. They argue that such actions set a dangerous precedent, potentially jeopardizing the job security of public sector employees and undermining the rule of law. Their argument rests on the principle that public institutions should operate within the confines of established legal frameworks and not be swayed by political directives that circumvent due process.
The Minority’s legal arguments are anchored in key provisions of the 1992 Constitution and the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651). They cite Article 24 of the Constitution, which guarantees fair and satisfactory working conditions, and Article 23, which mandates public institutions to operate within the law and uphold principles of fairness. These constitutional safeguards, they argue, were disregarded in the dismissal process. Furthermore, they highlight the Labour Act, 2003, which outlines specific grounds for termination, such as misconduct, incapacity, or redundancy. The Minority insists that none of these conditions apply to the dismissed BoG staff, rendering the terminations unlawful.
Even if redundancy were a factor, the Minority argues that the Bank of Ghana failed to adhere to the legally prescribed procedures. These procedures include notifying the Chief Labour Officer, engaging in consultations with the affected staff, and providing adequate compensation. By circumventing these processes, the central bank further compounded the illegality of the dismissals. The Minority’s emphasis on these procedural requirements underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in employment relations, particularly within the public sector.
The Minority also addresses the issue of probationary periods, emphasizing that this status does not grant employers unchecked authority to dismiss staff without justification. They argue that even probationary workers are entitled to fair evaluation, proper documentation, and the constitutional protections afforded to all employees. This clarification highlights the need to balance the employer’s right to assess performance during a probationary period with the employee’s right to fair treatment and due process. The Minority’s position reinforces the principle that probation should not be used as a loophole to circumvent labor laws or facilitate politically motivated dismissals.
The Minority’s call for the immediate reinstatement of the dismissed BoG staff reflects their unwavering commitment to upholding constitutional principles and protecting the rights of workers. They warn that continued disregard for legal procedures erodes public trust in institutions and undermines the very foundation of constitutional governance. Their demand for reinstatement serves as a strong message that arbitrary actions by public institutions will not be tolerated and that legal recourse will be pursued to ensure justice and fairness. The Minority’s actions highlight the crucial role of parliamentary oversight in holding public institutions accountable and safeguarding the rights of citizens.
