A group of 40 former public sector employees has sued the government over what they describe as wrongful and politically motivated dismissals.

The affected workers, employed in 2024, argue that their terminations violated their constitutional rights and due process. Their dismissal followed a directive from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah on February 10, 2025, instructing public institutions to revoke appointments made after December 7, 2024—the date of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

According to the government, the decision was necessary to uphold good governance, insisting that last-minute appointments under the previous NPP administration were improper.

The plaintiffs, represented by Dame and Partners—a law firm linked to former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame—have taken legal action against the Attorney General and six state agencies: the Ghana Revenue Authority, National Lottery Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Shippers Council, and National Health Insurance Authority.

They contend that neither the President nor the Chief of Staff has the constitutional authority to dismiss public servants outside the conditions outlined in Article 191(b). The lawsuit demands a court declaration deeming the dismissals unlawful, the reversal of the Chief of Staff’s directive, reinstatement of the affected workers, and financial compensation for the hardship they have endured.

Furthermore, they are calling for an injunction to prevent future politically influenced terminations within the civil service.

Several of the dismissed employees claim they went through rigorous recruitment processes, including interviews and tests, before securing their positions. Some insist they were employed before December 7 but were still removed under the directive.