FirstBank Ghana is facing growing scrutiny over an internal directive reportedly asking employees to refrain from speaking publicly about a court case involving the bank and a former employee.

The controversy follows a High Court decision that found the dismissal of former FirstBank Ghana employee Martha Okpoti unlawful, with the court ordering the bank to reinstate her and settle her outstanding financial entitlements.

An internal memo dated August 6, 2026, from the bank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer acknowledged the adverse judgment and outlined steps being considered following the ruling.

According to the memo, the court identified a number of shortcomings in the disciplinary process that led to Ms. Okpoti’s dismissal.

Among the issues cited were inadequate notice, the denial of an opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and other alleged breaches of the principles of natural justice.

The court consequently ordered FirstBank Ghana to reinstate Ms. Okpoti within three months and pay her salaries, allowances and other benefits accruing from the date of her dismissal until her reinstatement.

The bank was also ordered to pay her provident fund benefits with interest and GH¢60,000 in legal costs, while the computation of her entitlements is to be done transparently with her participation.

Bank Appeals Ruling

Despite the judgment, FirstBank Ghana has indicated that it is challenging the decision through the appropriate legal channels.

The internal memo states that the bank has appealed the ruling and is pursuing further remedies after an application for a stay of execution was refused by the Labour Court.

It is against this background that the proposed staff communication has generated controversy.

The memo recommends that employees should be directed not to comment publicly on the case and that all media enquiries concerning the matter should be referred to the bank’s Corporate Communications Department.

Management’s position, as reflected in the memo, is that public comments could complicate the ongoing litigation, potentially affect the bank’s legal position and create additional reputational or legal risks.

Staff Raise Concerns

However, some individuals described as sources within the bank have expressed concern over the proposed directive.

The sources, speaking anonymously, reportedly believe the instruction could have a broader chilling effect on employees who may wish to raise concerns about workplace conditions or their treatment within the institution.

They alleged that some workers now feel uncomfortable speaking publicly about labour-related grievances for fear of falling foul of management’s position.

The allegations have added another layer to an already sensitive dispute, particularly because the court case itself centred on the circumstances surrounding the termination of a former employee.

The internal memo, however, does not establish that FirstBank Ghana has formally banned employees from raising workplace complaints. Neither does it state that the bank intends to disregard the court’s orders.

Reputation Becomes a Major Concern

The bank’s internal document also highlights concerns about its public image following media reports surrounding the case and allegations about the treatment of employees.

The Corporate Communications Department has proposed monitoring traditional media, online publications and social media platforms for what it describes as emerging narratives and misinformation.

The memo also refers to reports of a possible demonstration by some residents of La and recommends notifying the Ghana Police Service and other relevant security agencies to prepare for any potential security implications.

The emphasis on reputation suggests that FirstBank Ghana considers the matter significant enough to warrant close monitoring as the legal battle continues.

Questions Over Employees’ Voices

The controversy now extends beyond the individual case, with questions being raised about how financial institutions should balance legal strategy, corporate reputation and employees’ ability to express concerns.

Critics of the proposed directive may view the instruction as an attempt to control the public narrative, while the bank could argue that directing media enquiries through its communications department is necessary while litigation remains active.

The High Court’s findings, however, have placed the bank under increased scrutiny over the disciplinary process used against Ms. Okpoti.

The court reportedly found that the bank had not sufficiently established some of the allegations against her, including claims relating to a customer’s bank statement and whether employees were prohibited from obtaining introductory letters from branch managers.

The judgment also found that Ms. Okpoti had effectively faced double punishment, contrary to Article 19(7) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

With the bank pursuing an appeal, the dispute remains before the courts.

The emerging debate is now whether the proposed restrictions on staff engagement with the media are simply part of FirstBank Ghana’s legal and communications strategy or whether, as some employees fear, they could discourage workers from speaking about legitimate workplace concerns.

The development could also attract attention from relevant regulators and labour stakeholders as questions continue to be raised about employee rights, corporate governance and workplace relations within the banking sector.

Story by: Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah
Popularly Known As: Attractive Mustapha
Email: attractivemustapha@gmail.com
Contact Number 0244259564