The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the recent mass termination of over 100 employees of the Bank of Ghana.These dismissals, they explained, was carried out without just cause, consultation, or due process, represent which was a clear violation of the Constitution, the labour laws, and basic decency.A media briefing in Parliament yesterday they argued these workers were - lawfully recruited and properly vetted and were contributing to national development.
Yet, without warning, they were dismissed en masse.Ms Fatihiya Abdul-Aziz at a media briefing said this action, inspired by a directive from the Chief of Staff in a letter dated February, 11, 2025, sought to revoke all public sector appointments made after the December, 7, 2024, is wholly unconstitutional and unlawful."No such directive has legal authority, and institutions must not act on political whims," She added.She indicated that Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees every Ghanaian the right to work under fair and satisfactory conditions while Article 23 further requires public institutions to act lawfully and fairly, the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), particularly sections 64 and 65, lays out clear grounds for termination:misconduct, incapacity, or redundancy - none of which apply here.Ms Abdul-Aziz who is the Member of Savalugu noted that if redundancy were the reason, the Bank of Ghana was required by law to notify the Chief Labour Officer, consult affected employees, and offer compensation explaining that it did none of that as such these terminations, therefore, are not just administrative errors but are calculated breaches of law.She stated that the Minority have noted that some dismissals were disguised as "termination during probation." adding "Probation is not a license for arbitrary dismissal.
It must be based on documented assessments and clear communication."Even probationers the Minority noted are entitled to fair treatment and protection under Article 24 saying it is particularly troubling that the Bank of Ghana proceeded with these dismissals while a motion for a parliamentary inquiry is pending before the House.This unfortunate situation Ms Abdul-Aziz indicated is a slap in the face of Parliament and a disregard for democratic oversight, adding "No institution should act with such impunity".These acts she stated are not just the numbers back are hardworking Ghanaians - young professionals, parents, and breadwinners - who followed the rules and believed in fairness but are now face economic hardships, psychological distress, and shattered dreams saying it is more than a legal issue and also a moral crisis.They said the Minority in Parliament stands shoulder to shoulder with these workers, and we will not waver.They have therefor demanded the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers and restore them to their rightful position without any further delay as their appointments were lawful.They also demanded accountability from the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and also face Parliament and explain this heartless abuse of power."You are not above the law, and you will answer to the people". BY LAWRENCE VOMAFA-AKPALU