Omanghana
An internal communication reportedly issued by FirstBank Ghana’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department has generated concern among some employees following a High Court ruling in favour of former staff member Martha Okpoti.
The memo, dated August 6, 2026, allegedly proposes a media silence strategy as the bank challenges the court’s decision declaring Okpoti’s dismissal unlawful.
According to the reported contents of the document, management was advised to instruct employees not to comment publicly or post information about the case on social media.
Staff members were also reportedly directed to refer all questions from journalists and other external parties to the bank’s Corporate Communications Department.
The memo cited FirstBank Ghana’s decision to appeal the judgment as justification for limiting public discussion, maintaining that the case remains before the courts and should be treated as confidential.
Some employees have questioned the directive, alleging that it is intended to discourage staff from discussing broader concerns about workplace practices and employee treatment. The bank, however, appears to view the restrictions as part of a centralized communication and legal-risk management strategy.
The controversy follows the High Court’s ruling that FirstBank Ghana failed to follow fair procedures when terminating Okpoti’s employment.
The court reportedly found that she was not given adequate notice during the disciplinary process and was denied the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses whose evidence was considered in the case.
These procedural shortcomings were held to have breached the principles of natural justice and rendered her dismissal unlawful.
Under the judgment, FirstBank Ghana was ordered to reinstate Okpoti within three months. The bank was also directed to pay all outstanding salaries, allowances and other benefits covering the period from her dismissal until her return to work.
The court further ordered the payment of her provident fund entitlements, together with accrued interest, and awarded costs of GH¢80,000 against the bank.
FirstBank Ghana has continued to challenge the decision through the legal process. After the Labor Court reportedly rejected its request for a stay of execution, the bank filed an appeal against the judgment.
The appeal means the dispute remains active, although filing an appeal does not automatically cancel the orders issued by the lower court unless a stay is granted.
The reported memo has intensified discussion about the balance between an employer’s right to protect its legal position and the ability of workers to express concerns about labor conditions.
FirstBank Ghana had not publicly addressed all the allegations raised by employees regarding the reported directive at the time of the account. The final outcome of the dispute will depend on the appellate process and any subsequent orders issued by the courts.
Source: Omanghana
