The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate reinstatement of more than 1,500 public sector workers whose appointments were validated by a government review committee, while also demanding urgent intervention to address what it describes as a deepening crisis facing Ghanaian farmers.
In a statement marking Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary on March 6, signed by the Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo Markin said the dismissals of public sector workers following the change of government in January 2025 were “arbitrary and unjust,” arguing that recent findings had vindicated its earlier opposition to the decision.
According to the Minority, a committee established by the Chief of Staff reviewed 2,080 cases across 36 public institutions and cleared 1,539 appointments as properly made, while recommending revocation in only 541 cases. The caucus Leader in Gus statement said the outcome demonstrated that many of the workers, including young graduates entering the labour market for the first time, had no legitimate basis for dismissal.
“The sweeping nature of those terminations stands exposed for what the Minority always maintained: arbitrary, unjust and harmful,” the statement said, urging the government to reinstate the affected workers, pay withheld salaries and compensate them for the hardship caused.
Beyond employment concerns, the Afenyo Markin raised alarm about what it described as severe challenges confronting farmers across the country. He cited unsold rice stocks after the 2024 harvest, falling prices for cashew nuts and widespread post-harvest losses affecting crops such as yam and pepper.
The Minority argued that weak procurement systems, smuggled imports and inadequate storage infrastructure had left many farmers struggling with debt and unsold produce. It called for emergency support funds, restoration of a fair and enforceable cashew pricing regime and major investment in storage, rural roads and agro-processing facilities.
The caucus also criticised a reduction in the cocoa farm-gate price, describing it as a major setback for cocoa farmers and warning that the policy could worsen hardship in farming communities.
On environmental issues, the Minority described illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a national emergency threatening water bodies, forests and farmlands. It called for decisive enforcement action against operators and financiers of illegal mining activities and demanded public disclosure of individuals behind the reported importation of more than 1,000 excavators intercepted at the Tema Port.
The caucus further urged the government to strengthen maritime security following reported attacks on Ghanaian fishing vessels within the country’s territorial waters and appealed for continued diplomatic support for Ghanaians living in conflict-affected areas of the Gulf region.
While commemorating the nation’s independence, the Minority said Ghana must pursue structural economic transformation by strengthening local industry, modernising agriculture and equipping young people with skills in science, technology and digital innovation to secure long-term economic sovereignty.
The caucus pledged to continue holding the government accountable while advocating policies it believes will advance economic opportunity and national development.