The Africa Center for Democracy and Socioeconomic Development (CDS Africa) has strongly condemned the recent directive by Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to revoke all public service appointments made after December 7, 2024.
The organization has called on the government to reverse the decision, citing constitutional violations, labor rights concerns, and governance implications.
According to CDS Africa, the directive instructs heads of government institutions to annul these appointments and submit reports by February 17, 2025. However, the civil society group argues that this move contradicts Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which grants the President the authority to appoint public officers through the Public Services Commission (PSC). The organization warns that the blanket annulment of appointments, without individual assessment, disregards due process and could lead to legal challenges.
CDS Africa also highlights labor law violations, pointing out that Ghana’s Labor Act, 2003 (Act 651) requires proper procedures for employment terminations, including prior notice or compensation. The group warns that affected employees may seek legal redress, referencing previous lawsuits such as that of Hollister Duah-Yentumi, who successfully challenged an unjust dismissal.
Beyond legal concerns, CDS Africa stresses that such mass terminations undermine governance and institutional stability. The organization urges the government to respect Supreme Court rulings that prohibit politically motivated dismissals and instead adopt a transparent, case-by-case review of appointments.
Calling for adherence to constitutional principles, CDS Africa appeals to labor unions, civil society organizations, and international observers to ensure Ghana upholds democratic governance and the rule of law
