Opinions of Saturday, 15 August 2015

Columnist: Ofori-Atta, D. M.

Reaction To The Address Of The Okyenhene

PUBLIC STATEMENT
Reaction To The Address Of The Okyenhene At The Annual Lecture Of The Ghana Medical Association Held At Koforidua On Wednessday 12th August 2015

The Okyenhene has noted with regret, deliberate misreporting of his address at the annual lecture of the Ghana Medical Association held yesterday at Koforidua to the effect that he is taking sides in the distressing industrial impasse in the public health sector.
His call on doctors to ignore provocative utterances from political commentators was informed by his concern that the vituperative character that public discourse, with regards to the GMA industrial strike, is assuming each day, poses a serious threat towards ensuring a timely and lasting resolution of the dispute.
The current manner of public discussion is playing a major role in provoking and shaping the entrenched positions taken by Government and the GMA.
The Okyenhene believes strongly that political commentators have a greater responsibility to end this war of words as people are sick and dying in our hospital wards.
The Okyenhene wishes to take this opportunity to reiterate his appeal to the GMA to put an end to their industrial action and find a healthier manner to seek redress in the interest of ordinary people of this country.
Media personnel are kindly advised that they are welcomed to seek fuller clarification on such matters with the Public Affairs Department of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council.
Signed:

(D.M. Ofori-Atta)
Assistant State Secretary,
Public Affairs
Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council

NB: Please find attached a copy of the address by His Majesty the Okyenhene.

ISSUED AT THE OFORI PANIN FIE, KYEBI, 13TH AUGUST, 2015