The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, for what he describes as the vindictive dismissal of public servants.

In a social media post on May Day, a day dedicated to celebrating workers, Dr Afriye expressed dismay over the sacking of workers employed under the previous NPP administration, calling the move detrimental to national development.

In his post, Dr Afriye saluted Ghanaian workers, acknowledging their pride and contribution to the nation.

However, he questioned the rationale behind dismissing public servants who were employed under the 2024 budget’s financial clearance during the NPP’s tenure.

“For what good is it to the Ghanaian whose family pays their taxes, and when given a job under an NPP government, he or she is sacked after an NDC government takes over?” he queried.

He argued that the 2025 budget, approved in March, included provisions for employment, raising concerns about why the NDC government would dismiss workers instead of creating more job opportunities for the youth.

Dr Afriye further noted the overarching impact of the government’s actions, highlighting the inclusion of NDC supporters who secured jobs under the NPP government.

He questioned the fairness of targeting these workers, asking, “Can we grow a nation this way with this sense of vindictiveness?”

While conceding that the dismissal of political appointees might be justifiable, he described the sacking of public servants, whom he referred to as harmless, by the NDC government as a terrible decision.

“As for political appointees, to me, their dismissal is fair. How about the harmless public servant? This is so terrible!” he stated.

The MP urged President Mahama to reflect deeply on the dismissals, which occurred within five months after the NDC assumed office following their victory in the December 2024 elections.

“Mr President, take it easy and take a deep reflection about that action five months upon assumption of office. Was it right to have sacked them in hindsight?” he appealed.

Dr Afriye’s criticism comes amid concerns over job security and political retribution in Ghana’s public sector following the inauguration of the John Mahama administration on January 7, 2025.

Amid the dismissal of several executive appointees, including heads of state-owned organisations, the John Mahama government has been accused of arbitrarily dismissing some public servants.

However, persons within the government and the NDC have justified the dismissals, insisting that the erstwhile government engaged in “last-minute” recruitments aimed at burdening the public purse.



GA/MA