An internal memo issued by FirstBank Ghana’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department has sparked allegations that the bank is attempting to prevent employees from speaking publicly about what some staff describe as poor and inhumane treatment within the institution.
The memo, dated August 6, 2026, was sent to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer following the High Court judgment in favour of Martha Okpoti, a former employee whose dismissal was declared unlawful by the court.
The document acknowledges that the bank lost the case and outlines the court’s findings that there were procedural deficiencies in the disciplinary process, including inadequate notice, denial of the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and other breaches of natural justice.
The court ordered the bank to reinstate Ms. Okpoti within three months, pay her salaries, allowances and benefits from the date of her dismissal until reinstatement, pay her provident fund benefits with interest, pay GH¢80,000 in costs, and transparently compute her entitlements with her participation.
However, the memo also confirms that the bank has appealed the ruling and is pursuing further legal remedies after its application for a stay of execution was refused by the Labour Court.
Directive to Staff
The most contentious section of the memo is a proposed directive instructing staff not to engage the media or comment publicly on the matter.
The memo recommends that the Managing Director, through the Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, should instruct all employees to refrain from speaking publicly about the case and to refer all media enquiries exclusively to the Corporate Communications team.
It also proposes that staff be informed that the matter remains before the courts and that the bank is exercising its legal right of appeal.
The memo states that public commentary on the ongoing litigation could prejudice the bank’s legal strategy and expose it to additional legal risk.
Sources Allege Suppression of Staff Concerns
Sources within FirstBank, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed that the directive has created fear among employees who believe they are being prevented from discussing workplace conditions.
According to the sources, management has effectively restricted staff from speaking to the media, and some employees feel that their rights to express concerns about their treatment are being undermined.
They alleged that the internal directive is being interpreted by many workers as an attempt to suppress complaints and discourage employees from speaking publicly about labour-related grievances.
The sources further claimed that some staff members are unhappy that the bank’s internal communication focused on the appeal process rather than on implementing the court’s orders.
Bank Cites Reputational Concerns
Meanwhile, the memo indicates that the case has generated reputational concerns for the bank following media reports alleging poor treatment of employees and reports of a planned demonstration by some residents of La.
It recommends that the Corporate Communications Department monitor traditional media, online publications and social media for emerging narratives and misinformation.
The document also proposes that FirstBank Ghana notify the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies ahead of any planned demonstration to ensure the safety of staff, customers and bank assets.
In its request for approval, the memo emphasises that the bank regards its reputation as one of its most valuable assets and recommends that it refrain from making public comments while the appeal remains before the courts.
Court Findings
The High Court judgment, as summarised in the memo, found that the bank failed to prove that any policy prohibited employees from obtaining introductory letters from branch managers and that allegations relating to the customer’s bank statement were not sufficiently established.
The court also held that Ms. Okpoti had effectively been subjected to double punishment contrary to Article 19(7) of the 1992 Constitution.
The memo itself does not state that the bank will refuse to comply with the court’s orders.
Many people are asking whether the allegations by anonymous staff sources that the directive in the memo amounts to an attempt to silence employees or suppress complaints about working conditions are something the Bank of Ghana should take keen interest in.
