The Office of the President has ordered an immediate suspension of contract appointments for retired public service staff, signaling a significant shift in employment policy within the public sector.
The directive, dated April 2, 2025, and signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, mandates that all post-retirement contract arrangements be put on hold with no further consideration for new or pending requests.
“The grant of post-retirement contract appointments to retired public service staff has been suspended with immediate effect,” the letter clearly stated.
The Office went further to stress that, henceforth, “all requests for such appointments will no longer be considered.” Public institutions across the country have been instructed to strictly comply with the directive.

Although the statement did not elaborate on the reasons behind the suspension, the decision is expected to impact numerous ongoing and proposed contracts in public agencies.
The move has stirred conversation among stakeholders, with some viewing it as a cost-cutting measure and others interpreting it as a push to open up opportunities for younger professionals within the civil and public service landscape.