By: Savannah Pokuaah Duah
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) Jefferson Asare Danquah, has voiced deep disappointment regarding the government’s treatment of health workers following a suspension of strike action.
In an interview on the GTV Breakfast show, Jefferson Asare Danquah explained that the suspension was based on promises made by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which he claims are now being disregarded.
“We are very disappointed how we are being treated now, and I must put that on record, we came back, or we suspended our strike action based on some promises and some agreements that we were made,”Mr. Danquah stated.
The situation escalated when a scheduled meeting with Nurses on June 26 was postponed to July 10 without prior notice.
“On the 25th, we received a letter of postponement of the meeting to 10th of July, of which we were not aware. We had to meet at National Council for two days discussing this. If they are committed to doing whatever they told us, it shouldn’t take the minister to be here,” he asserted.
Mr. Danquah emphasised the critical role nurses play in the health system, particularly as the Health Minister is currently engaged in discussions about vaccinations. “Who is going to give that vaccination? Is it not the same nurses, the community health nurses, the midwives, that are going to give the vaccination you are going to sign on to?If you don’t care about the human capital, what will the drugs do to us?” he questioned.
The chairman reiterated that the government’s lack of communication and commitment undermines the well-being of health workers and citizens alike. “The health system we are running in this country is not fair,” he lamented.
As discussions continue, Mr. Danquah hinted at a potential resumption of strike action if agreements are not honored. “We agreed. We made an agreement that July is going to be implemented, and that is what we know,f we do not see any progress after July, we will continue from exactly where we ended,”he said firmly.
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