Accra, March 6 — The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate reinstatement of more than 1,500 public-sector workers dismissed after the change of government, as Ghana marks its 69th Independence Anniversary.
In a statement issued on March 6, the caucus said findings from a committee established by the Chief of Staff confirmed that the majority of the affected workers were legitimately recruited and should not have been dismissed.
According to the Minority, out of 2,080 cases reviewed across 36 public institutions — including the Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Highway Authority, SSNIT and Metro Mass Transit — 1,539 appointments were validated, while only 541 were recommended for revocation on procedural grounds.
The caucus therefore demanded the immediate reinstatement of all cleared workers, full payment of withheld salaries and compensation for the hardship caused by the dismissals.
“Justice delayed must not become justice denied,” the statement stressed, adding that the Minority would use all lawful parliamentary and legal avenues to ensure redress for the affected workers.
Farmers’ Crisis Raises Alarm
The Minority also used the Independence Day message to highlight what it described as a growing crisis confronting Ghanaian farmers.
It pointed to unsold rice stocks in farming communities, falling cashew prices and significant post-harvest losses affecting crops such as yam and pepper due to weak storage systems and limited processing facilities.
The caucus criticized the reduction of the minimum producer price for raw cashew nuts from GH₲15.00 to GH₲12.00 per kilogram, saying the move had transferred the burden of global market fluctuations onto farmers.
The Minority also accused the government of failing cocoa farmers, claiming that a reduction of more than GH₲1,000 in the farmgate price per bag of cocoa had worsened financial pressures on cocoa-growing communities.
Galamsey and National Security Concerns
On environmental matters, the Minority described illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a national emergency threatening Ghana’s rivers, forests and farmlands.
It called for decisive enforcement action against illegal miners and demanded full disclosure of individuals behind the importation of more than 1,000 excavators reportedly intercepted at the Tema Port, believed to be destined for illegal mining activities.
The caucus also urged authorities to strengthen maritime security following reports of attacks on Ghanaian fishing vessels within the country’s territorial waters.
Renewing the Promise of Independence
As the country celebrates 69 years of independence, the Minority called on Ghanaians to renew their commitment to the nation’s founding ideals of unity, justice and economic transformation.
The caucus pledged to continue holding the government accountable while advocating policies that promote job creation, agricultural development and environmental protection.
“The promise of independence will only be fulfilled when every Ghanaian — especially the youth — enjoys dignity through opportunity and meaningful work,” the statement concluded.
