Statement By The Association Of Concerned Ghanaians In Europe

GOVERNMENT SHOULD PAY DOCTORS NOW

The Association of Concerned Ghanaians in Europe (ACGIE) is deeply worried by the nation-wide strike action by the Ghana Medical Association and the impact this is having on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

ACGIE fully understands and appreciates the concerns of our hardworking Doctors who have been working under very difficult and trying conditions to provide health care for Ghanaians. Much as we appreciate the legitimacy of their claims, we appeal to members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) to reconsider their position and return to work in the interest of the suffering masses who have become the unfortunate victims of this dispute.

While appealing to the GMA to rescind its decision, it is equally important to remind government of its responsibility to the people of Ghana by ensuring that all outstanding payments due the Doctors are made promptly and in full. This would be in keeping with the ruling of the National Labor Commission following the Compulsory Arbitration process between the two parties.

As concerned Ghanaians interested in the development of our country, we do not intend to apportion blame as to who is right or wrong in this dispute. The welfare of the ordinary Ghanaian and his ability to access health care remain our main concern.

That notwithstanding, we will be shedding our responsibilities if we fail to register our disappointment with the way the dispute has been handled by government. In any labor dispute all parties are expected and indeed required to adopt a conciliatory posture both in terms of attitude and pronouncements.

Unfortunately, the position adopted by government was anything but conciliatory. First government played down the strike and dismissed as having no significant impact and that Ghanaians should access the services of medical practitioners at the Military and Police Hospitals. This presupposes such facilities are available across the country which in fact is not the case.

Furthermore, we find certain pronouncements of some government officials and party functionaries rather reckless and unhelpful with regards to finding a lasting solution to the dispute. Rather than resorting to the politics of intimidation and threats of dismissal, government should think of how to find the money to pay the striking Doctors.

The loss of a single Ghanaian life is one too many and unacceptable.

Signed

Kwaku Anane-Gyinde

Secretary

Association of Concerned Ghanaians in Europe

ACGIE

Tel. 00 49 152 134 818 59