The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has announced its decision to withdraw its services if the government fails to terminate the deal to sell off some hotels belonging to the Social Security National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to Rock City Hotel. The Association is demanding the termination of the sale of 60% of SSNIT’s shares in the four hotels, citing concerns over the implications of the sale on the healthcare sector and the nation’s assets.
This decision comes after the National Executive Council (NEC) of Organised Labour held an emergency meeting on July 12, 2024, to discuss the recent development. Earlier, on June 28, the National Pensions Regulatory Commission (NPRA) had directed SSNIT to suspend its negotiations with Rock City over the proposed sale of the four hotels, pending further evaluation and engagement.
However, the NPRA subsequently gave the green light for the sale of SSNIT shares in six hotels, prompting Organised Labour’s swift response. On Thursday, July 11, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, assured Parliament that all necessary procedures had been followed.
However, in a swift response, the Ghana Medical Association stated on July 12, directing its members to withdraw Outpatient Department (OPD) services from July 15 to 17, 2024, and emergency services from July 18 to 21, 2024, effective immediately.
GMA also hinted at the total withdrawal of all services on 22nd July 2024. “This is to press home the demand for Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to terminate the sale of sixty percent (60%) of its shares in the four (4) Hotels. The National Executive Council (NEC), following an emergency meeting on 12th July. 2024 to discuss the development, directs the following road map for the industrial action:
15th – 17th July, 2024 – Withdrawal of Out Patient Department (OPD) services, 18th to 21st July 2024. – Withdrawal of Emergency Services, From 22nd July 2024 – Total Withdrawal of ALL services.” GMA advised its members to adhere to the roadmap communicated by the Council.
By: Leticia Osei
