TUC Opposes Revocation of Public Sector Appointments, Calls for Reversal

Accra, February 25, 2025 – The Trades Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana has strongly condemned a directive issued by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, ordering the annulment of all public sector appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024.

In a press statement signed by TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah, the labor union described the move as problematic, warning that it could lead to mass job losses, particularly affecting young Ghanaians entering the job market for the first time. The directive, issued on February 10, 2025, to all heads of government institutions, states that the appointments were not in compliance with good governance practices and principles.

However, the TUC argues that the implementation of the directive has resulted in the revocation of appointments that were made even before the December 7, 2024, cut-off date. In some cases, individuals who had served on contract for five years or more and were only regularized in December 2024 have now lost their jobs. The union expressed concerns over the emotional and economic toll on affected workers.

The TUC further highlighted the recurring issue of “midnight appointments” in Ghana’s political landscape, accusing both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of insincerity and inconsistency on the matter. The statement recalled a similar situation in 2016 when the NPP vehemently opposed post-election appointments by then-President John Mahama, labeling them as disappointing and unethical. The TUC criticized the NPP for now taking actions that mirror what they previously condemned.

Calling for an immediate halt to the terminations, the TUC urged President Mahama to grant amnesty to all appointees of the previous administration, similar to the amnesty he extended to security agency recruits. The union warned that failure to address the issue could undermine democratic credentials and erode patriotism among young professionals who have worked hard to secure employment.

As public debate intensifies over the revocation directive, the TUC has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and advocating for the rights of affected workers.