Minority slams BoG over mass dismissals, demands immediate reinstatement

The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned the dismissal of over 100 employees of the Bank of Ghana, describing the move as unconstitutional, unlawful, and morally unacceptable.

At a press conference held at Parliament House in Accra, the Caucus expressed grave concern over what they termed as mass termination of lawfully recruited and vetted workers without consultation, due process, or justification.

They cited Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees every Ghanaian the right to work under fair and satisfactory conditions, and Article 23, which requires public institutions to act fairly and in accordance with the law.

The Minority further pointed out that, even if the dismissals were based on redundancy, the Bank of Ghana failed to meet legal obligations such as notifying the Chief Labour Officer, consulting affected staff, or providing compensation actions required by law.

In a firm call to action, the Minority laid out five demands:

1. Immediate reinstatement of all dismissed workers.

2. Accountability from the Bank of Ghana Governor before Parliament.

3. Swift intervention by the Labour Commission, CHRAJ, and relevant authorities.

4. Legal support for affected workers to seek redress in court.

5. A full parliamentary inquiry to investigate the dismissals.

Below is the full statement

press statement by the parliamentary minority on the unlawful termination of bank of ghana employees

Date: 24th June, 2025 | Location: Parliament House, Accra

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press, fellow Ghanaians,

Good afternoon!

We are here this afternoon as a Caucus to strongly condemn the recent mass termination of over 100 employees of the Bank of Ghana. These dismissals, carried out without just cause, consultation, or due process, represent a clear violation of our Constitution, labour laws, and basic decency.

These workers – lawfully recruited and properly vetted – were contributing to national development. Yet, without warning, they were dismissed en masse. This action, inspired by a directive from the Chief of Staff in a letter dated 11th February, 2025, which sought to revoke all public sector appointments made after the 7th December, 2024, is wholly unconstitutional and unlawful. No such directive has legal authority, and institutions must not act on political whims.

Constitutional and Legal Breaches

Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees every Ghanaian the right to work under fair and satisfactory conditions. Article 23 further requires public institutions to act lawfully and fairly. The Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), particularly sections 64 and 65, lays out clear grounds for termination: misconduct, incapacity, or redundancy – none of which apply here.

If redundancy were the reason, the Bank was required by law to notify the Chief Labour Officer, consult affected employees, and offer compensation. It did none of these. These terminations, therefore, are not just administrative errors; they are calculated breaches of law.

The Probation Excuse: Legally Flawed

We have noted that some dismissals were disguised as “termination during probation.” Probation is not a license for arbitrary dismissal. It must be based on documented assessments and clear communication. Even probationers are entitled to fair treatment and protection under Article 24.

Disregard for Parliament

It is particularly troubling that the Bank of Ghana proceeded with these dismissals while a motion for a parliamentary inquiry is pending before the House. This is a slap in the face of Parliament and a disregard for democratic oversight. No institution should act with such impunity.

The Human Cost

These are not just numbers. These are hardworking Ghanaians – young professionals, parents, and breadwinners – who followed the rules and believed in fairness. They now face economic hardship, psychological distress, and shattered dreams. This is more than a legal issue – it is a moral crisis.

Our Demands: Justice, Now

The Minority in Parliament stands shoulder to shoulder with these workers, and we will not waver. We demand:

1. Immediate Reinstatement:
   The Bank of Ghana must restore every single dismissed worker to their rightful position without any further delay. Their appointments were lawful; their terminations were not.
2. Accountability from the Governor:
   The Governor of the Bank of Ghana must face Parliament and explain this heartless abuse of power. You are not above the law, and you will answer to the people.
3. Action from Labour Authorities:
   We call on the Chief Labour Officer, the National Labour Commission, and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to intervene immediately to protect these workers, uphold their rights and stop this lawlessness.
4. Legal Redress:
   To the dismissed workers, we say: the law is your shield. Under Article 33 of the Constitution, you have the right to seek justice in the courts. We stand ready to support you.
5. Parliamentary Resolve:
   The Minority will push a motion for a full parliamentary inquiry with unrelenting vigour. We will expose this injustice, work tirelessly to reverse these terminations, and hold the government accountable.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we want to end by saying this is not just about these 100 workers. It is about the soul of our Republic. We must choose between rule of law and rule by decree. Parliament must stand firm. Institutions must act within the law. Workers must be protected.

The Minority chooses the rule of law. We choose justice. We choose the people. We will fight with every legal, parliamentary, and democratic tool at our disposal until every worker is reinstated, every wrong is righted, and every institution is reminded that it serves the people of Ghana – not the powerful few.

To the Bank of Ghana: you have broken the law, betrayed your mandate, and wounded the trust of our nation. You cannot hide behind secrecy or power. The people of Ghana are watching and you will be held to account.

To the dismissed workers: you are not forgotten. Your pain is our pain, your fight is our fight. The Minority in Parliament stands with you, heart and soul. We will not rest until your jobs are restored, your dignity is reclaimed, and your futures are secured.

To the people of Ghana: let us defend our democracy and demand accountability.

May God bless our homeland Ghana.

Thank you.

– END –

Source: Elvisanokyenews.net