The Minority in Parliament has condemned the recent dismissal of over 100 staff of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), describing the move as unlawful, morally unacceptable, and unconstitutional.
The Minority contends that the affected employees were legally recruited, duly interviewed, and contributed meaningfully to the operations of the Central Bank before their sudden termination.
The BoG, in a notice dated June 19, revoked the appointments of the employees, citing failure to meet probation requirements as the basis for the action.
The termination letter stated: ““In accordance with the terms of your contract of employment, a satisfactory six (6) month probationary period was to be completed. Management regrets to inform you that your appointment cannot be confirmed.”
However, addressing a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, June 24, Member of Parliament for Savelugu, Fatahiya Abdul-Aziz, speaking on behalf of the Minority, accused the Central Bank of violating due process and constitutional provisions in the dismissals.
The Minority is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected employees, insisting the terminations contravene 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 lawfully.
They also argued that even if the dismissals were based on redundancy, the Bank of Ghana failed to comply with legal obligations, including notifying the Chief Labour Officer, consulting affected staff, or providing compensation as required by law.
The Minority further dismissed claims that the employees’ probation status justified the terminations, insisting probation does not permit arbitrary dismissal.
“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,” they emphasized.
They added, “The Minority in Parliament stands shoulder to shoulder with these workers, and we will not waver. We demand: 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.”
The Minority assured the affected workers of their support and pledged to pursue every legal and parliamentary avenue to ensure justice is served.
