Ghana Medical Association’s Decision Not to Join Nationwide Strike Raises Concerns

Accra, Ghana – October 9, 2023

Former General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Prof. Titus Beyuo, has voiced his concerns regarding the GMA’s recent decision to abstain from a nationwide strike organized by various labor groups on October 10, aimed at compelling the government to take urgent action against illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”

In an interview on the Joy News AM Show on Wednesday, Beyuo described the decision-making process within the GMA as “disturbing” and indicative of irregularities. He criticized the method by which the GMA’s leadership reached their decision, stating that such crucial determinations should typically occur during in-person or virtual council meetings, not through individual phone calls to council members.

“The way through which the decision was made by the president and council is disturbing; it looks irregular,” Beyuo asserted.

On October 8, the GMA released a statement confirming its decision to not participate in the strike while expressing solidarity with organized labor in their fight against the adverse effects of illegal small-scale mining. The statement, signed by GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour, urged members to continue providing full medical services without interruption.

Prof. Beyuo challenged this stance, highlighting that the GMA has previously dedicated parts of its annual general conference to discussing the severe health impacts associated with galamsey. He emphasized that the illegal mining issue is a significant concern for the GMA due to its direct implications for public health, labeling the association’s withdrawal from the strike as “disturbing.”

“The decision seems to conflict with the initial position of the association,” he remarked, adding that if anyone should be more concerned about the health impacts of galamsey, it should be the GMA itself.

While acknowledging the potential concern regarding loss of life during a strike—an argument cited by the GMA for its non-participation—Beyuo pointed out that the association has historically adopted more nuanced approaches in similar situations.

“In the past, what the association has done is take cognizance of the fact that we are essential service providers. In solidarity with the rest of labor, for instance, they could decide that doctors should wear red armbands across the nation or withdraw some non-essential services if necessary,” he explained. “To completely say you will not be part of it, it sounds irregular.”

Prof. Beyuo concluded by emphasizing that the strike’s purpose is to exert pressure on the government to take decisive action against galamsey, a cause that he believes should be of paramount concern to the GMA.

As the strike approaches, the GMA’s decision and the ensuing controversy continue to generate discussion among healthcare professionals and labor organizations alike.

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