The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stated that there is no justification for dismissing employees who were legally hired prior to the transition.
“If you were employed before the transition, then you’re fine,” he confirmed.
Consequently, he has assured President Mahama that no one in his ministry will be let go.
He explained on Joy FM that, in his ministry, he has thoroughly reviewed the records and found that the new employees obtained financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance in July, and there was a budget allocation that year to hire staff.
“ In my ministry, I’ve painstakingly gone through the records. I have seen that they [ new employees ] obtained financial clearance in July from the finance ministry and within the budget there was an allocation that, that year they will employ people,” he stated.
Financial approval
Mr Ablakwa further emphasized that the employees in question were not hired unlawfully, as they had received financial approval.
“Although the original budget indicated a plan to employ about 40 staff members, they received clearance to hire 100. I conducted my due diligence; this was completed in July, and the process was not backdated.”
Appointment letters
Regarding appointment letters, the Minister noted that he confirmed with the head of the civil service that even though some appointment letters were issued in November and December, the hiring process had indeed begun earlier.
“I have explained to the President that, from what I have reviewed, I want to be fair to all individuals involved. The hiring process commenced well before the letters were issued, so not a single person in the Foreign Ministry will face dismissal,” he said.
