Residents of La in the Greater Accra Region are planning a large-scale demonstration against First Bank Ghana Limited (FBNGhana) over what they describe as the bank’s unfair treatment of employees and its handling of a recent labour dispute involving a former staff member.
The protest is being organised in response to a High Court judgment ordering the bank to reinstate Martha Okpoti (a widow with two children), within three months, a former employee whose dismissal in November 2022 was declared unlawful, unconstitutional and procedurally flawed.
In addition, the judgment ordered the Bank to pay her all salaries, allowances and benefits due from the date of her dismissal until her reinstatement.
The Court directed that the computation of the amount owed must be transparent and that Ms Okpoti must be involved in the process.
The bank was also ordered to pay the full amount due to her from her Provident Fund as at the date of her termination, with interest at the prevailing commercial bank rate until final payment.
In addition, the court awarded GH¢80,000 in costs against the bank.
Meanwhile, organisers of the intended demonstration say the protest will also draw attention to what they claim are broader concerns about the bank’s treatment of workers and compliance with labour laws.
According to them, the Bank is situated on a La Land and they can no longer condone the inhuman treatment meted out to their daughter, and other people likewise, by management of the Bank.
They are prepared to fight for the removal of the Bank from their land since the conduct of the Bank management towards staff is nothing to write home about.
Information gathered, which seem funny, is that a staff was allegedly dismissed recently by the Bank for looking at a lady’s buttocks.
The Bank, according to investigations, usually dismisses staff who are close to their retirement and are due for compensation, under frivolous accusations; and majority of these people who cannot fight back leave with nothing.
According to the organisers, residents intend to petition the Presidency, the Bank of Ghana, Labour Comission and the Ministry of Finance, and are calling for a review of permits and approvals granted to the bank to operate on La land.
The planned protest follows a ruling by the High Court, Industrial and Labour Division II in Accra, which ordered FBNGhana to reinstate Ms Okpoti within three months and pay her all salaries, allowances and benefits from November 11, 2022, the date of her dismissal, until the date of her reinstatement.
The court, presided over by Justice Priscilla Dikro Ofori, also directed the bank to pay the full amount due to Ms Okpoti from her Provident Fund with interest and awarded GH¢80,000 in costs against the bank.
The judgment, delivered on June 5, 2026, found that the disciplinary process leading to Ms Okpoti’s dismissal violated the bank’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, its Employee Handbook and the principles of natural justice.
The dispute arose after the bank accused Ms Okpoti of breaching official procedures by obtaining an introductory letter from the manager of the bank’s Techiman Branch to support a Canadian visa application.
However, the court held that the bank failed to establish that there was a clear rule prohibiting employees from obtaining such letters through branch managers at the time.
The Court also found that the bank failed to prove allegations relating to the use of a customer’s bank statement, noting that key witnesses were not called to testify.
In addition, Justice Ofori ruled that the disciplinary process was fundamentally flawed because Ms Okpoti was not given the required notice before appearing before the disciplinary committee, was denied the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, call witnesses or be represented by a lawyer of her choice.
The court further held that the bank had effectively punished her twice for the same alleged misconduct, contrary to Article 19(7) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects individuals against double punishment.
Residents supporting the demonstration argue that the judgment raises important concerns about workers’ rights and fair disciplinary procedures.
Some residents also claim that the bank has delayed complying with the court’s orders by pursuing further legal processes.
Court records indicate that the bank sought a Stay of Execution at the Labour Court, which was refused, and has since filed an application at the Court of Appeal, with proceedings scheduled for November 2, 2026.
The demonstration is expected to focus on demands for compliance with the court ruling, protection of workers’ rights and greater accountability by financial institutions operating in the community.
They are calling on all affected staff, who have been unjustly dismissed, to join the protest which date will be announced soon.
