Recalled BoG staff to face extended probation

Central Bank adopts measured approach to reinstate previously terminated employees

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has reinstated all recently dismissed employees under a new arrangement that places them on extended probation, in what insiders are describing as a significant shift in policy.

According to sources close to the Central Bank, the move affects staff whose appointments were initially terminated on June 19, 2025, due to concerns raised during their probation period.

From termination to re-engagement

Previously, the BoG had opted to terminate the employment of 97 individuals hired after December 7, 2024, citing “unsatisfactory performance” during their initial probation. At the time, officials maintained that the decision followed standard internal reviews and compliance procedures.

However, in a reversal of that stance, the Bank has now decided to recall all affected staff—not just a select few as originally planned—based on reassessed operational needs and internal consultation.

Extended probation: A second chance, not a guarantee

Insiders say the re-engagement comes with a caveat: the staff will undergo extended probation, during which their performance will be closely monitored. This probationary extension is being used as both a performance evaluation tool and a compliance measure.

“This is well within the Bank’s authority,” a source familiar with the matter told African Editors. “The Central Bank can re-engage terminated staff if their skills are deemed essential or if special circumstances warrant it.”

Why the change of heart?

The decision to recall all affected staff is rooted in evolving workforce demands. Internal assessments reportedly revealed that the terminated individuals possessed skills that are currently in short supply within the institution.

“The Bank has a responsibility to balance performance standards with operational capacity,” an official explained. “Upon further review, it was clear that the institution would benefit from a broader reinstatement under stricter oversight.”

Engagement begins anew

The recalled staff were officially re-engaged on June 26, 2025, and are expected to resume duties in the coming week. They have been notified of the new probation terms and will be evaluated again within the next few months.

While the BoG has not released a public statement naming the individuals or detailing the review process, it did confirm to JoyBusiness that such decisions are handled “on a case-by-case basis” depending on termination circumstances and internal staffing needs.

A controversial termination process

The initial dismissal of the 97 employees stirred conversations about transparency and fairness within public institutions. The Bank had stated that the terminations were based on due diligence and aligned with employment contracts, which stipulate a six-month probationary review.

Yet, the move sparked criticism and concern, particularly as some sources suggested that procedural lapses had occurred during the original hiring phase.

In its defense, the Bank insisted the action was part of a “routine HR exercise” and not a targeted attempt to remove any specific group of workers.

Lessons in governance

The extended probation strategy may serve as a test case for how public institutions manage staffing issues, particularly under high scrutiny. It also underscores the importance of flexibility in HR policies, especially in environments as dynamic as central banking.

As the recalled employees return to work, all eyes will be on the Bank of Ghana to see how it balances accountability with inclusivity—two values that often define trust in public service.