Extension of strike is conducive for re-negotiations – Collins Ntim

daniel russell

August 15, 2015 11:23 AM

According to him, the doctors’ decision was influenced by the numerous appeals from the public and not because the doctors did not have the courage to resign in bloc.

The Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on health, Collins Ntim has said that the decision by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) not to resign en bloc but continue with its strike action while negotiation goes on is a good opportunity for government to re-organise itself.

According to him, the doctors’ decision was influenced by the numerous appeals from the public and not because the doctors did not have the courage to resign en bloc.

“I am happy about that and it’s an opportunity for government to sit down, re-organise itself and sharpen its negotiation and administration skills and sit down with the GMA. I believe that the GMA is willing to return to work and the government will have to soften its stance and the GMA should also try to understand the strength of the economy,” he said on Citi FM’s .

The Ghana Medical Association has been on strike for about two weeks now after their negotiations on conditions of service with government hit a deadlock and had vowed to resign en masse on Friday, August 14, if government fails to yield to their demands.

However, after a three-hour crucial General Assembly meeting held at the Ghana Medical Association offices at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday, the doctors decided to continue with their strike and review their decision after two weeks if government fails to meet their demands.

Talks between government and the striking doctors have stalled on several occasions. While the doctors say government has not been negotiating with them in good faith, government has said it cannot negotiate under duress.

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daniel russell