Political Scientist Dr. Joshua Jebuntie Zaato has expressed his disapproval of the government’s management of the recent nationwide strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), labeling their response as “insensitive and lazy.”
During an appearance on TV3’s KeyPoints, Dr. Zaato contended that the government could have accommodated the nurses’ demands if it genuinely prioritized their welfare.
“The government was insensitive and lazy by not creating fiscal space for nurses,” he remarked.
While recognizing the economic difficulties facing Ghana, Dr. Zaato encouraged nurses to think about making compromises for the greater good — but he firmly stated that the government needs to improve its efforts.
“We will plead with them to listen to the government and explore ways to compromise… They are not the only ones experiencing hardship in Ghana. However, it is evident that there isn’t fiscal space.”
He highlighted that the same level of effort the Finance Ministry used to resolve the UTAG conflict — by promising payment of book and research allowances — could have been applied to the nurses’ situation.
Adding to the urgency, the immediate past president of the GRNMA, Kwaku Asante Krobea, has attributed patient fatalities during the strike to the Health Minister.
“The deaths occurring as a result of the ongoing strike are the responsibility of the Health Minister,” he declared in a separate interview on TV3.
He accused the Minister of not taking proactive measures to address the crisis.
“The resolution to the deadlock lies with him… Instead of his posturing, he should concentrate on negotiating with the nurses. Even retired nurses are supporting the strike and will not return to work.”
Source: HotFmOnline.com
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