Terminations at Ghana Maritime Authority Spark Public Outcry Over Job Losses
A wave of terminations at the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has sparked intense criticism from civil society groups, former employees, and concerned citizens amid allegations that the dismissals form part of a politically motivated purge.
The terminations follow a directive issued by the Chief of Staff shortly after President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office. The directive instructed state agencies to terminate the employment of individuals hired after December 7, 2024—the date of the general elections.
However, sources within the GMA allege that the new acting Director-General, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, has extended the scope of this directive, dismissing employees who were recruited as far back as five years ago.
According to internal reports, more than 300 workers—many of them young professionals—have either received or are facing notices of termination. Several affected employees claim they were given no prior warning or justification.
“There was no explanation,” said one former employee who requested anonymity. “I’ve worked here since 2020, I’ve never been queried, and suddenly I’m told I’m no longer needed. I have a child, rent, and commitments. This is devastating.”
The Ghana Maritime Authority has yet to issue an official statement. Attempts to contact the acting Director-General for clarification have so far been unsuccessful.
Sources within political and institutional circles suggest the dismissals may be part of a broader plan. According to these accounts, a closed-door meeting was recently held at the Presidency with heads of key agencies, during which discussions allegedly centred on creating vacancies within the public sector to make room for party loyalists.
Though the Presidency has not confirmed these claims, they have fueled public anxiety about the politicization of public institutions.
The controversy has also reignited debate over the NDC’s flagship 24-hour economy policy, a key campaign promise in the 2024 elections. The policy aimed to expand job opportunities by operating essential sectors in three shifts—effectively tripling available positions.
“This was a promise to expand opportunity, not to shrink it,” said a policy analyst at the Centre for Labour and Economic Justice. “What is happening at the GMA is in direct contradiction to the 24-hour economy vision. We’re witnessing job losses instead of job creation.”
Labour unions are reportedly monitoring the situation and may intervene if the dismissals persist. In the meantime, affected workers—many of whom are first-time public servants with young families—are left in limbo.
“This goes beyond politics,” said another dismissed employee. “People have bills, children in school, medical expenses. We worked hard to earn our place, and now we’re being discarded for no just cause.”
As the fallout from the GMA terminations continues, civil society organisations are calling for transparency, an end to arbitrary dismissals, and a renewed commitment to meritocracy and the rule of law in public service appointments.
