In a recent Facebook post, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia voiced his concerns about what he describes as “worrying developments” under President John Mahama’s administration. Dr. Bawumia expressed his disappointment over the dismissal of public sector workers following a directive from Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to revoke appointments and recruitments made after the December 7 elections.
Dr. Bawumia criticized these actions as unfair and undemocratic, calling on President Mahama to be “President for all Ghanaians” by halting these dismissals and protecting the rights of all citizens.
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He noted the irony of a party that campaigned on job creation now arbitrarily dismissing workers, rendering them jobless. He emphasized that the government’s focus should be on innovating and creating jobs, not on dismissing people. Furthermore, these dismissals have extended to directors who are public servants, not politicians, with some being dismissed solely because of their association with certain politicians.
Dr. Bawumia also condemned the increasing attacks on journalists, the use of the military to raid homes of former government officials, and mob attacks on innocent individuals and state institutions. He likened these actions to a military takeover rather than a peaceful democratic transition.
Below is the full statement:
Worrying Developments in Our Country: An Appeal to H.E. President John Mahama
“This statement is released against a personal vow I made since leaving office. I committed to giving our new President and his government the necessary space to settle and address the important task of governance and nation-building.
Having served as Vice President for the past eight years, I understand the enormity of the task at hand. It requires support and composure for those entrusted with governance, especially the President, to implement their vision for our country’s betterment.
Unfortunately, I must speak up about recent developments that pose significant threats to our democracy. Ignoring these ills would be abandoning my responsibility to remind President Mahama and his government of their duty to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the 1992 Constitution and ensure justice for all.
When Ghanaians voted for change in the 2024 general elections, they sought to continue national development with different leadership. It was in this spirit that I delivered an early concession speech, urging all Ghanaians to support our new president in contributing to the nation’s progress.
However, since taking office, President Mahama’s administration has targeted Ghanaians legitimately employed during the previous government. It is ironic that a party which campaigned on job creation is now arbitrarily dismissing the same Ghanaians, rendering them jobless. The least a party can do under conditions of unemployment is to innovate and create jobs rather than dismiss people.
Regrettably, these dismissals have extended to directors who are public servants, not politicians. In some cases, the only reason for dismissal is their association with certain politicians, as if to suggest they cannot live independent professional lives, regardless of their qualifications.
Reports indicate the government’s intention to terminate the appointments of security personnel, nurses, and teachers appointed during the previous administration. Such actions would be most unfortunate.
Furthermore, there is a general atmosphere of insecurity, with attacks on journalists, military raids on former officials’ homes, and mobs attacking innocent individuals and state institutions. These actions are reminiscent of a military takeover, not a peaceful democratic transition.
These are troubling times for our democracy, and prompt action is needed to protect institutions and democratic practices.
Ghanaians voted for change to discard past governance
