I smell an elephant in doctors’ strike – Ade Coker

Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for instigating the continuation of the strike by the doctors.

Ade Coker was speaking Monday on Adom Tv's Badwam conjectured that it was quite weird for the doctors represented by the leadership of Ghana Medical Association (GMA), to remain adamant despite having signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with relevant institutions.

On April 12, 2013, the GMA signed an MoU with Trades Union Congress, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Finance Ministry and government outlining a payment schedule for the market premiums arrears of the doctors.

But the GMA has insisted that at the signing of the MoU, other parties were made to understand that the content would be communicated to the “larger council” for action.

The doctors have said two out of the three issues underpinning the strike have remained outstanding. They are conversion difference and reduced pensions.

Nonetheless, Ade Coker said, the NPP is hiding behind the GMA to destabilise government.

The problem, in his view, was because the pursuit of self-seeking interest is replacing a sense of patriotism in Ghana today.

Medical doctors have so far fended off calls by former Nigerian President Obasanjo, former UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, President Mahama, Chiefs and other leading members in the country.

They have insisted on a proper commitment from government in a form of a written document.

Mr. Ade Coker disclosed that it was quite unfortunate that the GMA has not heeded to the calls by these leaders.

The NDC chairman added that with this unrelenting stance, it was not surprising that some of its own members have stood against the association’s decision.