Fatimatu Abubakar is the former Minister of Information
The former Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has criticised a directive issued by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) revoking all public service appointments and recruitments made by the previous government after December 7, 2024.
Speaking on Peace FM on Monday, February 17, 2025, Fatimatu expressed the view that political parties in the country often know the right course of action when they are in opposition, but once they assume power, they act contrary to their previously stated beliefs.
According to her, during his campaign, President John Dramani Mahama strongly rejected claims and assertions that his government would dismiss recruits from the security agencies, even offering assurances to the contrary.
However, she pointed out that his actions have now contradicted the promises he made, describing it as a bad precedent.
“It sets a bad precedent; something of that sort shouldn’t happen. If people are working within the public space, they should not be exposed to political issues or happenings. Every political party knows the right thing and tends to become wise when they are in opposition, but the story changes immediately when they assume power. Even before the election, the president assured Ghanaians that his government would not sack recruits, but it happened,” she said.
The former Akufo-Addo government appointee strongly opposed the revocation directives, urging those affected to take legal action against the government regarding their dismissals.
“She added that if there are individuals who were unjustly removed, she would encourage them to take legal action. Anyone who was dismissed without justification and who has documentation proving they followed the proper process for their appointments should go to court to challenge these unlawful terminations,” she added.
Revocation directive
On February 11, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, revoked all public service appointments and recruitments made after December 7, 2024.
According to a letter issued on February 10 and sent to all heads of government institutions, the Chief of Staff directed that all such appointments and recruitments be revoked.
“Consistent with government procurement in relation to near-end-of-tenure appointments and recruitments, I wish to bring to your attention that all appointments and recruitments made in the Public Services of Ghana after December 7 2024, are not in compliance with established good governance practices and principles.
“Accordingly, all Head of Government Institutions are hereby requested to take the necessary steps to annul any such appointments or recruitments and submit a comprehensive report on the actions taken to this Office by February 11, 2025,” the letter said.
It will be recalled that the Office of the President directed all heads of government institutions to submit detailed records of staff members added to their payrolls since December 7, 2024.
This request, issued on January 15, 2025, was part of ongoing efforts by the John Mahama administration to strengthen transparency and integrity within the government’s payroll system.
MAG/EK
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