Dr. Aaron Kumah, a labour expert and lecturer at the University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (USTED), has expressed deep disappointment over the sit-down strike initiated by doctors and nurses at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
The healthcare workers are protesting the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, an action Dr. Kumah argues is entirely outside their purview.
Because the CEO was appointed directly by the government, Dr. Kumah questioned why the hospital staff would actively defend him against disciplinary actions taken by his own appointing authority.
He firmly backed the National Labor Commission’s decision to declare the industrial action illegal, noting that the suspension of the CEO has nothing to do with the daily duties of the doctors and nurses.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Dr. Kumah reiterated that the strike had no legal basis.
He emphasised that there are established, lawful procedures the workers should have followed if they wanted their grievances addressed, rather than resorting to an immediate walkout.
He also raised concerns about the long-term implications of their protest, questioning what would happen to healthcare delivery if the government ultimately decides not to reinstate the CEO.
In his view, the suspension was fully justified, and the striking workers are overstepping their bounds. He warned that prolonged defiance could carry financial consequences for the striking staff.
“If they fail to resume to work, the government can also decide not to pay them their monthly salary because they cannot take money for doing no work,” he stated.
Ultimately, Dr. Kumah maintained that the administrative disciplining of a state appointee should not hold public healthcare hostage.
“If the CEO is removed from office, it is none of their business. He was an appointee who has been suspended for acts that breached his work ethics and directive of the President who appointed him.”
Meanwhile, the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) has officially suspended its ongoing industrial action, bringing relief to patients and public health administrators in the region. The decision took effect today, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., following intensive deliberations.
According to an official statement issued by the association, the breakthrough came after high-level mediation efforts involving traditional leadership and hospital management.
“This decision has been made following fruitful engagements and the timely intervention of His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Hospital Board, Management and other key stakeholders who have demonstrated commitment towards addressing the concerns that led to the industrial action,” KADA stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
