Press Release: By House Officers Group Of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)

We the House-officers of KATH after a meeting called to discuss our position on the on-going strike action by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) would like to state the following: I. We salute the leadership of the GMA for their resilience and appreciate their pursuit of equity which is going to reflect positively on healthcare delivery in Ghana. II. We are appalled by the apparent nonchalance of the government in resolving this impasse. Instead of addressing the issues at stake in a rational manner and in good faith, the government has rather marshalled state resources, spending them on choreographed propaganda and whipping up public sentiment against the hardworking Ghanaian doctor. III. We have noted with disquiet, the utterances of certain agents of government who have sought to victimize and demonize the personality of Dr. Emmanuel Adom Winful and the leadership of the GMA. Such Gestapo tactics by persons paid for and supported by the State is irresponsible and unacceptable. The leadership of the GMA comprises men and women of repute who have risen to their positions by dint of diligence. IV. We have noted with equal concern statements made by certain government functionaries, which appear to pre-empt the judgment of the arbitration committee. We are trusting in the independence and integrity of the arbitration committee, not to be swayed by these unfortunate comments. V. Perhaps most of all, we would like to disabuse the general public of the notion that doctors of Ghana are on strike for an increase in their already quite hefty salary package. The fact of the matter is that we embarked upon this action as a last resort to ensure that we receive what is due us. We would like to remind all citizens of Ghana that we are also taxpayers who have responsibilities to our families and other obligations, such as they do, which will not be met just by the virtue of us being doctors. VI. We are appealing to the government to take meaningful steps in good faith towards resolving the situation and to stop building Potemkin villages. We are appealing to the citizenry to bring pressure to bear on their elected representatives in order to safeguard our nation�s healthcare system. VII. To the leadership of the GMA, we are solidly behind you and prepared to go the full mile with you. We understand that this move is not just for our benefit today but will affect the livelihood of every single doctor for the better that practices in this country henceforth, in pursuance of equity and fairness. God bless the GMA! God bless Ghana! Thank you. Signed