The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) Greater Accra Chapter has distanced itself from a planned protest by the Korle-Bu Senior Staff Association aimed at expressing dissatisfaction with Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah’s continued tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. This decision follows the circulation of a letter revealing that several health unions, including the Health Service Workers Union, the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professionals (Korle-Bu chapter), the Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana, and others, have submitted a petition to the Ministry of Health seeking to prevent an extension of Dr. Ampomah’s tenure. The GRNMA, while part of the conversation surrounding the leadership at Korle-Bu, has opted for a different approach.
During a recent meeting between the GRNMA and Dr. Ampomah, issues concerning member welfare were highlighted, and the association’s acting Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Jefferson Asare Danquah, expressed a commitment to collaborative discussions rather than confrontation. He emphasized that the GRNMA would not partake in the demonstration, stating that their union is larger and more significant than the coalition of unions planning the protest. This stance is intended to maintain alignment with their foundational objective, which is centered around advocating for the welfare of their members within the healthcare system.
Mr. Asare Danquah’s comments underscore a desire for constructive engagement rather than disruptive actions. He remarked on the promises made by Dr. Ampomah regarding the resolution of the various challenges faced by the staff at Korle-Bu, indicating that the association will focus on negotiation strategies rather than resorting to a protest. By continuously addressing these challenges through open dialogue with hospital management, GRNMA aims to foster a collaborative environment conducive to finding solutions.
Furthermore, the acting chairman advised that any member of the GRNMA who decides to participate in the planned demonstration would be doing so at their own risk. This declaration reflects the association’s commitment to preserving operational integrity and unity among members while ensuring they are informed about the potential consequences of engaging in the protest, which the association does not endorse.
The GRNMA’s decision also reflects a broader understanding of the dynamics within the healthcare workforce in Ghana, where unity and cooperation among various health unions can influence the overall effectiveness of their advocacy efforts. By maintaining a focused approach on welfare and negotiations, the association positions itself strategically to achieve long-term benefits for its members.
In conclusion, the GRNMA’s disassociation from the planned demonstration signifies a commitment to dialogue and resolution rather than conflict. By prioritizing communication with hospital leadership, the association aims to ensure that the interests of its members are met in a conducive environment, emphasizing a stable and collaborative approach to addressing the concerns faced by healthcare professionals at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
