The Minority caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has vehemently criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s State of the Nation Address, delivered on February 27, 2025, characterizing it as a disconnection from the stark realities faced by Ghanaian youth. Their critique centers on what they perceive as a blatant contradiction between the President’s expressed concern about youth unemployment and his administration’s simultaneous termination of appointments for young public sector workers recruited after the December 7, 2024, elections. The Minority argues that this action, far from addressing the unemployment crisis, exacerbates it, leaving thousands of young Ghanaians and their families in a precarious state. They contend that the President’s address failed to acknowledge the true state of the nation, which, in their view, is defined by the dashed hopes and anxieties of these dismissed workers.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs forming the Minority caucus accuse President Mahama of betraying the trust placed in him by the Ghanaian people. They question the rationale behind dismissing young individuals who secured employment through legitimate processes under the previous administration, particularly as the President swore an oath to serve the interests of all Ghanaians. This action, they argue, is not only unjust but also counterproductive to the nation’s development goals. The Minority emphasizes that these young people, eager to contribute to the nation’s progress, were offered and accepted opportunities within the established legal framework, and their subsequent dismissal represents a significant setback for both individual aspirations and the collective good.
The crux of the Minority’s argument lies in the perceived hypocrisy of lamenting youth unemployment while actively contributing to it. They see the terminations as a deliberate act of political retribution, targeting individuals employed under the previous administration. This, they argue, undermines the principles of fairness and due process, setting a dangerous precedent for future transitions of power. The Minority posits that the President’s actions betray a disregard for the plight of young Ghanaians struggling to find employment, further deepening the unemployment crisis and fueling widespread disillusionment.
The dismissals, stemming from a February 11, 2025 directive issued by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, instructed heads of government institutions to rescind all appointments made after December 7, 2024. The directive cited non-compliance with established governance norms as the justification for the mass terminations. However, the Minority disputes this reasoning, arguing that the timing of the directive, shortly after the change in administration, strongly suggests a politically motivated purge rather than a genuine concern for procedural irregularities. They demand transparency and accountability, calling for a clear explanation of the specific breaches of governance norms that allegedly warranted such drastic action.
The Minority further contends that the Chief of Staff’s directive, coupled with the subsequent dismissals, has created a climate of fear and uncertainty within the public sector. They express concern that qualified and capable individuals may now be hesitant to seek public sector employment, fearing that their positions could be arbitrarily terminated due to political machinations. This, they warn, could have long-term detrimental effects on the quality and effectiveness of public service delivery. They urge the government to reconsider its approach and prioritize meritocracy over political expediency in its employment practices.
The Minority’s strong condemnation of President Mahama’s address and the subsequent dismissals reflects a broader concern about the direction of the nation under his leadership. They see these actions as indicative of a disregard for the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly the youth, and a betrayal of the promises made during the election campaign. They urge the President to engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including the opposition, to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment and to create a more inclusive and equitable society. They emphasize the importance of fostering a political environment that prioritizes national unity and progress over partisan interests, and they call upon the government to demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the needs of all Ghanaians, regardless of their political affiliations.
