Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged President John Dramani Mahama to reverse the recent dismissals of Ghanaians employed under the previous administration, citing concerns over threats to Ghana’s democracy and the principles of fairness and justice.
Dr. Bawumia expressed deep concern over the trend of dismissals targeting individuals hired during the previous administration, despite his initial decision to give the new government space to settle and implement its policies. He criticized the government’s decision to dismiss public service directors who are non-political appointees, stating that their only offense appeared to be their association or relation to politicians.
“Since assuming office, however, the government of President Mahama has pursued a series of actions targeting Ghanaians who were legitimately employed during the previous administration. It is ironic that a party which campaigned on the wings of jobs for all Ghanaians is arbitrarily dismissing the same Ghanaians, rendering them jobless, just because a different government employed them to put their talents to bear on the nation’s development and earn income to cater for themselves and their families,”
The former Vice President also raised concerns over reports of planned terminations of security personnel, nurses, and teachers appointed under the previous government, describing such actions as detrimental to national progress. Additionally, he lamented the growing atmosphere of insecurity, pointing to attacks on journalists, military raids on the homes of former government officials, and mob violence targeting individuals and state institutions.
“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.
Dr. Bawumia warned that these actions resemble a military takeover rather than a peaceful democratic transition. He called on President Mahama to be a leader for all Ghanaians, urging 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.”
Ultimately, Dr. Bawumia concluded 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.
