Joshua Ansah
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) called on President John Dramani Mahama to stop the mass layoffs in the public sector. This appeal comes in response to a directive from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, which instructed government agencies to cancel any appointments made after December 7, 2024.
The TUC, represented by Secretary-General Joshua Ansah, expressed deep concern over the potential impact of these layoffs. Many teachers, nurses, and other public servants—who have struggled for years to secure employment—are now facing the threat of losing their jobs. Ansah emphasized that such actions could have devastating effects on these individuals and their families.
In his statement, Ansah pointed out that the directive from the Chief of Staff has led to widespread cancellations of appointments, including those made prior to the December deadline. This has caused distress among those who had finally secured stable positions after long periods of uncertainty. For many, these contracts were a significant step towards financial independence and job security.
The TUC criticized the government’s approach. Ansah argued that labeling all appointments made after the specified date as non-compliant with good governance principles is problematic. The union believes this directive is not only open to abuse but also undermines the principles of fair employment practices.
Historically, the issue of last-minute appointments has been a contentious topic in Ghanaian politics. Both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have, at different times, condemned each other’s actions regarding appointments made during transitions of power. In 2016, Mahama faced backlash for making appointments after the elections, which the NPP called “disappointing.” Now, the NPP is enacting similar measures, leading to widespread criticism from the NDC.
The TUC urged President Mahama to reconsider the ongoing terminations. They warned that the mass layoffs could sap the morale and patriotism of young Ghanaians, many of whom have invested significant time and resources in their education. The union called for a more compassionate approach, suggesting that the president extend amnesty to those appointed by the previous administration, similar to the amnesty granted to individuals in security training programs.
