Accra (Greater Accra) 12 April '99

Health professionals in the country have been called upon to desist from confrontation and resorting to strike actions as a means of pressing home their demands for better conditions of service. African Peace Network International (APNET), an NGO which made the call, said the work of doctors, nurses and other health professionals is crucial to the survival of mankind, especially the sick in society. "There is no denial the fact that strikes involving health personnel raise great concern and affect society adversely." A release issued at the weekend and signed by Mr Alex Adu Appiah, Executive Director of APNET, said the resort to strike actions is becoming a permanent means whereby Ghanaian and other African workers back their demands for improved conditions of service and better salaries and allowances. It said misunderstanding and lack of trust and communication between governments, leadership of workers' groups and management serve as breeding grounds for labour conflicts. The release said some labour disputes result in the destruction of valuable properties belonging to the state and private institutions and the loss of jobs and precious and innocent lives. The NGO referred to the recent strike actions by junior doctors and nurses of public health institutions, including Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals, and said patients on admission suffered greatly, with some of them dying of avoidable diseases and complications. It commended the Minister of Health, Mr Samuel Nuamah Donkoh, and officials of the Ministries of Health and Employment and Social Welfare, as well as the leadership of the National Registered Nurses Association for the efforts so far made to ensure sanity and peace in the health sector. APNET urged the government and all concerned to ensure that labour disputes cease in the country.