Former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame is representing a group of 40 former public sector employees who have taken the government to court, over the mass dismissal of workers describing it as wrongful and politically motivated.

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This legal action follows a directive issued by the current Attorney General on February 10, 2025, which ordered the revocation of appointments made after December 7, 2024. The government cited irregularities in the recruitment process and concerns over fiscal sustainability as the basis for these terminations.

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The directive sparked widespread criticism from civil society organizations, labor unions, and members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Among the critics was former Attorney General Godfred Dame, who condemned the decision, arguing that it exceeded constitutional authority.

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He referenced Article 191(b) of the 1992 Constitution, which prohibits the dismissal of public sector employees without "just cause." Dame further pointed out that many of the affected workers were recruited well before the December 7 elections.

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As a result, he has filed a 27-page application for judicial review, invoking Articles 141, 23, and 296 of the Constitution, to challenge the legality of the mass dismissals.

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The dismissed employees, who were hired in 2024, contend that their termination violated constitutional provisions and due process. They are being represented by Dame and Partners, a law firm linked to Godfred Yeboah Dame.

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The lawsuit has been filed against the Attorney General and six key state institutions:

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The Ghana Revenue Authority, the National Lottery Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Ghana Shippers Council, and the National Health Insurance Authority.

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Filed Mass Termination CaseDownload

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The dismissed workers are asking the court to rule that their termination was unlawful, arguing that neither the President nor the Chief of Staff has the constitutional authority to remove public servants outside the framework established by Article 191(b) of the Constitution.

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They are also seeking a declaration that the Chief of Staff’s directive is null and void, along with an order for their reinstatement and compensation for the hardship caused by their abrupt dismissal. Furthermore, they want the court to prohibit the government from carrying out any further politically motivated dismissals within the civil service.

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Tafo MP, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, has strongly condemned the dismissals, calling them a clear case of injustice. He noted that the 40 plaintiffs represent only a small portion of those affected, estimating that over 5,000 public servants have been unfairly removed under the Mahama-led administration.

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“These individuals went through the right processes to secure their jobs. Their dismissals are purely political, and it is unacceptable. But we believe in the rule of law, and I have no doubt that justice will be served,” Assafuah stated.

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The government is yet to officially respond to the lawsuit.

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