Member of Parliament for Akuapim North Sammi Awuku, has urged President Mahama to reverse a directive issued by Chief Staff Julius Debrah for all recruitments done after the December 7 elections to be set aside. According to the former NLA boss the move sets a dangerous precedent for the future of Ghanaian youth.
Stating his disapproval of the decision on social media Mr. Awuku warned the move denies the youth their rights to livelihood and future prospects.
According to him in 2017 despite the public pronouncements of the then senior minister designate Yaw Osafo-Maafo that those employed by the Mahama administration after losing the elections, the Akufo-Addo government rejected such a suggestion, citing its unconstitutionality and respecting the principle that President Mahama’s mandate remained valid until January 6, 2017.
Mr. Awuku further argued the Nana Addo administration respected the appointments to key positions such as the Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Auditor-General, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) by President Mahama.
In January 2017, when Hon. Osafo-Maafo during his vetting suggested a revocation of appointments made after the 2016 December elections, the Akufo-Addo government rejected that pronouncement as it considered it unconstitutional. The NPP respected the fact that President Mahama’s mandate ran until January 6, 2017. For that matter , Osafo Maafo’s prescription was not implemented. So, why is it different today?
“In line with that, the Akufo-Addo government did not revoke the appointments of CHRAJ, the Auditor-General, or the NCCE heads, all because we believed in continuity and respect for due process. Why is that principle being abandoned now?”
Sammi Awuku also raised legal and human rights concerns, arguing that denying people employment based on political considerations violates their economic rights as guaranteed under Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which seeks to promote decent work and economic growth.
“Ghanaians who received appointments after December 7, 2024, are not second-class citizens. They have a right to work, just like everyone else. They went through a rigorous process before gaining employment with the Government.
“Denying them access to employment is a flagrant violation of their economic rights under Article 24 of the 1992 Constitution and SDG 8 which aims to promote full and productive employment and decent work for all.”
