The Office of the President has announced an immediate halt to the granting of contract positions to retired public service workers.
In a letter dated April 2, signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, confirmed that all contract appointments for retirees are now suspended.
The presidency is yet to reveal reasons behind the said suspension of contract roles for retired public sector workers.
“The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect,” the statement read.
As a result of the new directive, the Office of the President emphasized that “all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered.”
This decision is likely to impact numerous current and upcoming contract agreements within public sector organizations.
This decision comes against the backdrop of growing public debate over the sustainability and fairness of post-retirement contract appointments.
Critics have argued that these contracts often block younger, qualified professionals from entering the public service, stalling innovation and career progression.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about favoritism and inefficiencies within the system, as retirees sometimes occupy strategic roles while younger talent remains underutilized.
Over the years, extension of contracts for retired public servants is governed by the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) and other public service regulations specifically the Article 199(4) “A public officer who has retired from the public service after, or is retired from the public service in accordance with, the terms and conditions of his appointment may, where the exigencies of the service require, be re-engaged for a limited period.”
However, such extensions have sparked debates about their impact on the economy and employment opportunities for younger generations.
A very recent case of contract position which sparked several reaction was that of the former Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) boss Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), remained in office for 27 months after reaching the mandatory retirement age without an official contract.
There have been other contract positions offered to some officials and public servants such COP Nathan Kofi Boakye (Rtd) who retired from the Ghana Police Service on April 5, 2023, after turning 60 years old but was later appointed as Director of Operations at the Presidency was announced on January 15, 2025.
Also, Dr. Callistus Mahama was re-engaged to provide advisory services shortly after his retirement in 2016.
This appointment was made under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama. His expertise in local governance was considered valuable for ongoing projects and policy implementation at the time.