Dr. Vishnu Nene Limon Abayateye, a member of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), has formally petitioned for the removal of the Association’s President, Dr. Frank Serebour, due to what has been described as his unilateral decision to boycott a widely supported industrial strike.
This action follows Dr. Serebour’s directive for GMA members to continue working, despite Organised Labour’s call for a nationwide strike set for Thursday, October 10, 2024.
Other unions, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) and the Public Service Workers’ Union of TUC (Ghana), have instructed their members to stay off work starting October 10, until further notice.
Despite expressing solidarity with Organised Labour in the fight against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, Dr. Serebour announced that the GMA would not participate in the planned strike.
In a press release dated October 8, following an internal meeting, the GMA president clarified that the association had not established a roadmap for industrial action.
However, Dr. Abayateye’s petition, also dated October 8 and addressed to the GMA’s General Secretary, raises serious allegations against Dr. Serebour.
The petition accuses him of making a public statement on behalf of the GMA without consulting the National Executive Council or the General Assembly.
He claims that this unilateral decision has tarnished the GMA’s reputation, making the association seem inconsistent to the public, particularly in light of its previous stance on illegal mining.
Dr. Abayateye has expressed his intention to propose a motion for Dr. Serebour’s removal during the upcoming annual general assembly meeting in Ho, scheduled for November 3 to 10, 2024.
He aims to secure the necessary two-thirds majority support from the assembly to pass the motion.
Meanwhile, Dr. Serebour has reiterated that all members are expected to continue providing full medical services without interruption.
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has not declared a roadmap for industrial action. Therefore, all members are expected to continue providing full services without interruption,” the statement said.
However, the GMA, expressed its solidarity with the broader concerns raised by Organised Labour regarding the devastating effects of galamsey on the environment and livelihoods.
The association acknowledged the need for a collective effort to combat illegal mining, but stated it would not join the upcoming strike.
The release concluded with a note that the National Executive Council (NEC) would provide further updates to members if necessary.
Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against galamsey, had expressed disappointment with the GMA for distancing itself from Organised Labour’s planned strike action.