In a screaming headline story, the Guide says the use of thugs and 'machomen' in Ghana is gradually becoming institutionalised even at social gatherings. The paper says last Thursday at the National Theatre in Accra, the otherwise very civil and popular "Public Concern" programme on "GTV", turned into an arena of political intrigue and intimidation.

It says the occasion was a face-to-face meeting of the Minister of Health Mr Samuel Nuamah Donkor and the Greater Accra Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), Professor Akosa and the secretary, Dr Oheneba Danso on the militarisation of the Ridge Hospital, La and Mamprobi Polyclinics in Accra. According to the Guide, the gentlemen conducted the affairs in a very intellectual manner, devoid of acrimony and antagonism, even though emotions rose at certain times.

The paper says at the end of the function, then came the coup de grace, when a number of young doctors, still not satisfied with the firm and well-defended position of the Minister, started discussing the issues among themselves and drawing attention to the possible danger the decision portends for Ghana.

The Guide says that was their 'crime', as a group of young men, obviously transported to the place in a Motorway bus, moved menacingly towards the doctors, calling them names. Those who attempted to argue with them were ruffled, molested and pushed about, while more insults were hurled at them.

Some of the doctors quickly dashed out of the hall to avoid being manhandled by the thugs and looked for the nearest exit to safety, the paper concludes.