National Labour Commission Hopeful Government And GMA Will Cooperate For Amicable Resolution

The National Labour Commission has directed the Ghana Medical Association to call off its strike immediately.

A statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mrs. Bernice Welbeck, said Government and GMA should also resume negotiations and report to the Commission on Monday at 4:00pm.

The Commission issued the directive after a meeting with the employer represented by the Ministries of Health, Employment and Labour Relations, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission and the Ghana Health Service on one hand and the Ghana Medical Association, GMA on the other hand on Wednesday.

The statement said the Commission having heard the parties appreciates the difficulties of both sides and directs both parties to cease all media engagements forthwith. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana, Dr Welbeck said though the intervention may be belated, it is important that the issue is looked at in proper perspectives. 

Meanwhile, a Labour Consultant, Ben Arthur has described the intervention by the National Labour Commission in the impasse between government and the Ghana Medical Association, GMA, as a bit late. 

He said the NLC as a mediator should have intervened in the impasse at the early stage. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana, Mr Arthur however said now that the NLC has stepped in, the parties should comply with its directives. 

He told Radio Ghana's Bright Ntramah that the NLC can go to court to enforce its order if any of the parties break it. 

Mr Arthur advised the Ministry of Health not to carry out its threat of mass dismissal of doctors if they don't resume work by close of Thursday. 

He said the consequence of carrying out such a threat will be dire on healthcare delivery in the country.

GBC