Mass layoffs rock Ghana Maritime Authority

A wave of dismissals at the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) is stirring public outcry, as over 300 employees—many of them young professionals—have reportedly been let go under controversial circumstances.
The terminations, said to be following a directive from the Presidency, have been described by critics as a politically motivated purge.

Directive sparks controversy
The shake-up follows a post-election directive from the Chief of Staff, instructing state institutions to terminate the contracts of employees hired after December 7, 2024—the day of Ghana’s general elections.
While the directive itself has drawn scrutiny, insiders at the GMA allege that the newly appointed acting Director-General has taken it several steps further, targeting staff employed as far back as 2020.
“There was no explanation,” said one former staff member who requested anonymity. “I’ve been with the Authority since 2020 without a single disciplinary issue. Out of nowhere, I’m told my services are no longer needed. I have a child, I pay rent—this is devastating.”

No official statement from GMA
Despite growing pressure, the Ghana Maritime Authority has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Repeated efforts to contact the acting Director-General have been unsuccessful.
Reports suggest the terminations were executed without due process—no hearings, no prior warning, and no clear justification. Some workers were escorted off the premises without explanation, deepening concerns about transparency and fairness.

Alleged political motives
Sources within political and civil service circles hint at a larger agenda.
A closed-door meeting reportedly took place at the Jubilee House between the Presidency and heads of public institutions, where conversations allegedly focused on creating job openings for party loyalists.
While unconfirmed by official channels, these claims are fueling accusations of partisan employment practices.
“This appears to be more about politics than performance,” said a source familiar with the situation.
“We are witnessing a dangerous politicization of state agencies.”

Tensions rise over 24-hour economy policy
The mass terminations are casting a shadow over the NDC’s much-touted 24-hour economy policy, which promised job expansion by introducing shift-based work schedules in key sectors.
“This was supposed to create more jobs, not eliminate existing ones,” said a policy analyst at the Centre for Labour and Economic Justice.
“The GMA layoffs directly contradict the vision that was presented to the public during the campaign.”

Labour unions watching closely
Labour unions have begun monitoring the situation and may take action if the dismissals continue.
Meanwhile, affected workers—many of whom were first-time entrants into the public sector—face a bleak and uncertain future.
“This goes beyond politics,” said another dismissed employee. “We have families, school fees, medical bills. We worked hard for these jobs, and now we’re being pushed out without reason.”

Calls for transparency and accountability
Civil society organizations are demanding immediate intervention. Many are calling for an end to arbitrary dismissals, full disclosure of the rationale behind the terminations, and a reaffirmation of merit-based employment practices in the public sector.
As the fallout from the GMA saga continues, broader questions are emerging about the neutrality of public institutions and the future of job security under the current administration.