The Minority in Parliament has roundly condemned the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), warning this action has the potential to trigger unrest on the labour front.
In a strongly worded statement issued Saturday, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions, Ms Mavis Nkansah-Boadu expressed displeasure at the altercation between the Minister of Health and health workers at TTH that led to the sacking of the CEO.
The Minister’s action, she noted, is “a gross disregard for professional workers” and “a serious plot to politicise the labour force.”
She observed that, “The recent unfortunate altercation between the Minister of Health and some health workers of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, leading to the termination of the CEO appointment, does not only show disrespect but a gross disregard for the professional workers in Ghana.
“This is not just a simple matter of government high-handedness; it signals a dangerous move to politicise our public sector and shirk the government’s fiduciary responsibility.”
The MP for Afigya Sekyere East warned that such actions could have far-reaching effects on the morale of workers within Ghana’s already strained public sector, particularly in the healthcare system where workforce shortages and burnout are rising.
“Undermining the confidence of health professionals at this critical time is not just reckless — it is dangerous.
“Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals deserve to work in an environment of dignity and respect, not fear and intimidation,” she said.
Referring to the actions of the Minister of Health, Ms Nkansah-Boadu stressed that the approach taken in dealing with the conflict at TTH showed “disrespect and negative behaviour” that should alarm every well-meaning Ghanaian.
“The doctors’ demand for an apology to the revered doctor and other affected health workers is not an overstretch, it is within their right to dignity,” she noted.
Calling for immediate action, Ms Nkansah-Boadu urged President Mahama to reprimand the Health Minister, emphasizing the need for a culture of civility in the public service.
“We call on the President to address this issue by reprimanding the minister to show the way in promoting a culture of civility and respect towards the hardworking Ghanaian workforce,” she stressed.
The dismissal has ignited fresh debate about political interference in public institutions under the current administration.
