Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged President John Dramani Mahama to reverse what he describes as unjust dismissals of Ghanaians employed under the previous administration and to ensure the protection of all citizens.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, February 19, Dr. Bawumia expressed deep concern over recent developments that, in his view, threaten Ghana’s democracy and undermine the principles of fairness and justice enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
He noted that, while he had initially chosen to give the new government space to settle and implement its policies, the alarming wave of dismissals targeting individuals employed during the previous administration has compelled him to speak out.
“Since assuming office, the government of President Mahama has taken actions against Ghanaians who were legitimately employed under the previous administration. It is ironic that a party that campaigned on creating jobs for all is now arbitrarily dismissing hardworking Ghanaians, rendering them jobless simply because they were hired by a different government. These individuals contributed their skills to national development and earned an honest living to support their families,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia further criticized the dismissal of public service directors who are not political appointees, arguing that their only ‘offense’ appears to be their perceived association with or relation to politicians. He also raised concerns over reports of planned layoffs affecting security personnel, nurses, and teachers recruited under the previous administration, warning that such actions could hinder national progress.
Additionally, he condemned what he described as a growing atmosphere of insecurity, citing attacks on journalists, military raids on the homes of former government officials, and instances of mob violence against individuals and state institutions. He cautioned that these incidents resemble a military takeover rather than a peaceful democratic transition.
“These are certainly worrying times for our democracy, and the earlier action is taken to protect institutions and democratic practice, the better it would be for Ghana’s forward match,” he cautioned.
Calling on President Mahama to be a leader for all Ghanaians, he urged him to put a stop to the dismissals and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and protected under the law.
“There is no reset by repeating or escalating what may have happened in the past. Therefore, I call on His Excellency President Mahama to be a president for all Ghanaians by putting a stop to these developments, reversing the unfair dismissals, and protecting all our citizens.”
Dr. Bawumia concluded his statement with a call for the advancement of democracy, protection of state institutions, and upholding of the Constitution, asserting that Ghana must do better in ensuring fairness and justice for all.
