An internal memo issued by FirstBank Ghana’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department has sparked concerns over an alleged directive barring employees from speaking publicly about the Martha Okpoti case.
The memo, dated August 6, 2026, follows a High Court ruling which declared the dismissal of former employee Martha Okpoti unlawful and ordered her reinstatement.
According to the document, the court found procedural deficiencies in the bank’s disciplinary process, including inadequate notice, denial of the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and breaches of natural justice.
The court ordered FirstBank to reinstate Ms. Okpoti within three months and pay her salaries, allowances and benefits from the date of her dismissal, as well as her provident fund benefits with interest and GH¢80,000 in costs.
However, FirstBank has appealed the ruling and is pursuing further legal remedies after its application for a stay of execution was refused.
The memo reportedly recommends that staff be directed not to engage the media or make public comments about the case, with all media enquiries referred to the bank’s Corporate Communications Department.
Sources within the bank, speaking anonymously, claim the directive has created concern among some employees who believe it could prevent them from speaking publicly about workplace conditions and labour-related grievances.
The memo, however, argues that public commentary on the ongoing litigation could prejudice the bank’s legal strategy and expose the institution to further legal risks.
It also recommends monitoring traditional and social media narratives surrounding the case and notifying the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies ahead of any planned demonstrations to ensure the safety of staff, customers and bank assets.
The development has raised questions over whether the alleged restrictions on employees could attract the attention of labour authorities and regulators.
