Ghana
Nearly a year after their abrupt dismissals, thousands of public sector workers in Ghana are set to receive a court ruling today, March 16, 2026, on the legality of their terminations by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
The High Court in Accra will deliver its judgment in Suit No. GJ/0624/2025, a judicial review case that has experienced multiple adjournments and judge transfers since its filing by Old Tafo Member of Parliament Ekow Vincent Assafuah in March 2025.
The case challenges the dismissals of staff from various state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), National Lotteries Authority (NLA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
During the proceedings, the NHIA has reportedly begun inviting some dismissed staff for reappointment interviews, with at least one individual returning to their position. Additionally, a lawyer representing the NHIA allegedly approached the lead deponent in the case with a similar offer, which was declined.
In July 2025, the court dismissed preliminary objections raised by the NHIA and GPHA, which argued that the dismissed workers should have exhausted internal processes before approaching the courts. This ruling allowed the case to proceed on its merits.
The judgment, anticipated for months, is expected to provide clarity on whether the government's actions in dismissing the workers were lawful.
This ruling holds significant implications for employment practices within Ghana's public sector and may influence future government decisions regarding staff terminations.
For the thousands of dismissed workers awaiting this decision, today's ruling represents a critical moment in their pursuit of justice and potential reinstatement.
