The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has disclosed that the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) left the country while the government was actively trying to engage them on their concerns.
In an interview with Asempa FM monitored by Kumasimail, Akandoh expressed his frustration, saying, “As I speak with you now, I have called them. The leaders are not even in the country. I didn’t want to say this. I’ve called personally, and they are not in the country as I speak with you now. But we need to engage them, even tonight. Where am I getting them? They are not in the country. I swear on my mother’s grave.”
Minister Akandoh explained that he has been very busy with official duties, but due to the urgency and out of respect for the health professionals, he returned immediately after completing the official task.
“I was in Rwanda. When I reached the airport, I didn’t go home or to the office. I went straight to the field. We have clear marching orders from the President to pursue the African Medicine Agency director general issue to ensure we compete with Morocco. From Rwanda, I made a transit and came here around 11 to 12 a.m., then went straight to the field. I have visited about four health facilities so far.”
The Minister appealed to all aggrieved nurses to unite during this difficult time and call off the strike because nobody knows who will fall sick at any given time.
He stated “We are one people. We are Ghanaians. If you are a nurse, your mother or father can fall ill. Even nurses can be patients at any time.”
He emphasized that he respects workers’ rights to demand better conditions but urged for peaceful and constructive dialogue.
Akandoh stated “I don’t have any problem with workers demanding improved conditions of service, but we must collectively discuss appropriate ways to implement them to restore peace. I have consistently engaged my colleagues at the Ministry of Finance, and I can say we are not tired.”
The minister assured that the government remains open to talks.
“Government is continuous. If the demands are reasonable and legitimate, I don’t think we should shy away from addressing them. They should come back, and let’s engage,” he noted.
Source : www.kumasimail.com Kwadwo Owusu
