Akuapem North MP, Sammi Awuku, has rebuked President John Dramani Mahama over his directive to revoke appointments made after December 7, 2024.

In a Facebook statement, Awuku denounced the move as unconstitutional, regressive, and a dangerous precedent that could destabilize job security for young Ghanaians in the public sector.

Citing a similar instance in January 2017, he recalled how then Senior Minister-designate Yaw Osafo-Maafo proposed nullifying late-term appointments by the Mahama administration.

However, the Akufo-Addo government dismissed the proposal, prioritizing constitutional integrity and acknowledging the outgoing administration’s authority.

Awuku questioned why Mahama’s government is now abandoning that stance, asserting that individuals recruited after December 7, 2024, followed due process.

He insisted that these employees should not be unfairly penalized simply because of a change in administration.

“In January 2017, when Hon. Osafo-Maafo 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 Maafo’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?”

Sammi Awuku also highlighted legal and human rights ramifications, arguing that restricting individuals from employment on political grounds violates their economic rights, as safeguarded by Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution. He also referenced Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which seeks to advance fair employment and sustainable economic progress.

“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.”