A deepening crisis is unfolding at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) as the hospital’s chapter of the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professionals (GFAHP) threatens to embark on a nationwide strike over the management’s failure to establish a directorate to oversee their affairs.
Despite repeated efforts to push for action, the professionals’ requests have been consistently ignored, leading to a breakdown in trust and communication. The recent advertisement for a Deputy Medical Affairs Director for Allied Health, a role not legally recognized, has further inflamed tensions.
At a press conference, Dr. Francis Antwi, Chairman of the chapter, warned that if their meeting with the hospital on July 26, 2024, fails to yield positive outcomes, they will be compelled to strike. He noted that similar directorates have been established in other hospitals, raising questions about the delay at Korle Bu.
The professionals are united in their demand for recognition and respect, and will fight for their rights. They are wearing red bands in solidarity and will hold off on further action if the hospital agrees to establish the directorate and withdraw the current advertisement. However, if their demands are not met, they will pursue their roadmap, including a nationwide strike.
The National President of the GFAHP, Dr. Shiraz Issahaku, has pledged support and commitment to the demand, warning the Minister of Health to appoint an Allied Health Professional as director by next week Wednesday or face severe consequences.
A strike would have severe implications for Ghana’s healthcare sector, and it is imperative that a resolution is found soon. The professionals’ demands include recognition and respect, establishment of a directorate, withdrawal of the current advertisement, and appointment of an Allied Health Professional as director.
If their demands are not met, the professionals will pursue their roadmap, including a nationwide strike, withdrawal of services, protest marches, and legal action. The Minister of Health faces severe consequences if he fails to appoint an Allied Health Professional as director by the deadline.