The silence of Civil Society Groups and labour unions over the government’s mass dismissal of Ghanaian workers, has been questioned by the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM).
In a statement, the CDM condemned the mass dismissals, and accused President Mahama of “reckless execution of executive powers,” in the manner the dismissals have been carried out.
While calling out the government and urging the unfairly dismissed workers to be reinstated, the CDM expressed surprise at the silence of Civil Society Groups, as well as the TUC and other labour unions, who members have been affected.
“The recent wave of mass terminations of public and civil servants by President John Dramani Mahama is a dangerous precedent that undermines Ghana’s democracy, constitutional order, and labour rights,” the CDM said in the statement.
“This reckless exercise of executive power is not only legally questionable but also socially and economically disastrous.”
“At this critical juncture, labour unions, civil society organizations, and all well-meaning stakeholders must rise against this unconstitutional mass termination.”
“The Trades Union Congress (TUC), Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), and other workers’ unions cannot remain silent while public servants are subjected to unjust dismissals.”
The CDM added that labour unions, in particular, have a duty to protect their members who are being targeted by the government and unfairly dismissed.
“These organizations have a duty to protect their members from political victimization and must use all legal and advocacy means to challenge this blatant abuse of power. Ghanaians must collectively resist this injustice to safeguard job security, professionalism, and stability within the public sector.”
The CDM also accused President Mahama of breaching the 1992 Constitution, as his action, the CDM noted, is unconstitutional.
“President Mahama’s directive to revoke all public sector appointments made after December 7, 2024, through the Chief of Staff, is a clear violation of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The Constitution provides specific protections for public sector workers, ensuring that they are not subjected to arbitrary dismissals based on political transitions.”
Below is the full statement: