Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammi Awuku, has criticised the Mahama government for terminating the last-minute appointments done by the Akufo-Addo administration.
He explained that Ghanaians who received appointments after December 7, 2024, are not second-class citizens, they have a right to work, just like everyone else.
“They went through a rigorous process before gaining employment with the Government,” he added.
“Denying them access to employment is a flagrant violation of their economic rights under Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution and SDG 8 which aims to promote full and productive employment and decent work for all, the former National Lottery Authority (NLA)” boss said.
His comments come when the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah directed all heads of government institutions to nullify all appointments made by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration after December 7, 2024.
This is contained in a circular sighted by 3news.com dated February 10, 2025, and addressed to all Heads of Government Institutions.
“Consistent with Government pronouncement in relation to near end of tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to bring to your attention that all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after 7th December, 2024 are not in compliance with established good governance practices and principles,” Mr Debrah wrote.
He therefore directed that, “accordingly, all Heads of Government Institutions are hereby requested to take the necessary steps to annul any such appointments or recruitments and submit a comprehensive report on the actions taken to this Office by 17th February 2025.”
“Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated,” he urged.
The move is likely to impact individuals who secured public sector appointments or recruitments following the 2024 general elections.
Although no official explanation has been provided for the nullification, sources indicate that it is part of the government’s initiative to promote fairness and transparency during the public sector transition
In a Facebook post, Sammi Awuku said “Mr. President, this is a Dangerous Precedent ! Kindly reverse it!
“The future of Ghanaian youths are at stake in your latest directive. In January 2017, when Hon. Osafo-Marfo during his vetting suggested a revocation of appointments made after the 2016 December elections, the Akufo-Addo government rejected that pronouncement as it considered it unconstitutional. The NPP respected the fact that President Mahama’s mandate ran until January 6, 2017. For that matter, Osafo Marfo’s prescription was not implemented. So, why is it different today?
“In line with that, the Akufo-Addo government did not revoke the appointments of CHRAJ, the Auditor-General, or the NCCE heads, all because we believed in continuity and respect for due process. Why is that principle being abandoned now?”
He added “Ghanaians who received appointments after December 7, 2024, are not second-class citizens. They have a right to work, just like everyone else. They went through a rigorous process before gaining employment with the Government. Denying them access to employment is a flagrant violation of their economic rights under Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution and SDG 8 which aims to promote full and productive employment and decent work for all.
“Recruitment is a process, not an event. Mr. President may I remind you that many of these appointment processes were initiated long before the election in December 2024. Are we now saying that employment of public servants in Ghana is coterminous with the life of a specific government which employed them? This definitely cannot be the case!
“Mr President, I respectfully indicate to you that any attempt to revoke lawful appointments is not just unconstitutional but also retrogressive. If this directive is allowed to stand, it will send a dangerous message to young Ghanaians that their future is tied not to their competence, but to which party happened to be in power at the time they were employed. Modern day governance should not be about punishing perceived political opponents. We must rise above partisanship in our quest to create employment opportunities for party supporters and put the country first. Let’s not toy with the future of the Ghanaian Youth.”
Source: Citinewsroom