It’s been three weeks since the National Executive Committee of the GRNMA wrestled a motion through its national delegates conference in Cape Coast to raise the Association Dues, Building Levy and Trust Fund contributions of nurses by some outrageous percentage margins of 25%, 100% and 150% respectively.
While the move has since been condemned by many concerned nurses across the country, who have demonstrated their disappointments via various media reports, a section of the leadership of the association have branded such members as ‘non-discerning’ and are determined to carry on with the increments.
On the heels of the unending outburst of anger and disdain for what came as a shocking decision by the leadership, few attempts have been made by individuals and teaming concerned groups of nurses alike to petition the National Council to suspend the resolution of the delegates conference outright until such an opportune time that it would be fair and appropriate to consider an increment.
The Coalition of Concerned Nurses and Midwives on Tuesday, 12th December, 2017 presented a petition to the National Council of the Association to suspend the decision of the delegates conference concerning the increments in the said levies. In a communique by the PRO of the coalition, it was disclosed that the number of signatures collected and presented in support of the petition so far was 4,745.
These signatures were beside those that were yet to be assembled for later submission. The petition was submitted ahead of a National Council meeting anticipated to be held within the week. Articles 10 (12) and 42 (8) of the GRNMA constitution confers upon the National Council the power to intervene in such matters of urgency by a consent of two thirds (2/3) membership of council present.
Perhaps this is a chance for the leadership to fix the broken relationship with the aggrieved members of the association by revoking the increment decision, admitting that they had erred in making such a reckless move in the first place, and by rendering an unqualified apology to members.
This would not be the first time that a coalition of concerned members have emerged from a prominent labour union in Ghana, and the consequences could be far-reaching for the association as history suggests. In the spirit of accountable, selfless and servant leadership, it is only proper that the National Council exercises the powers bestowed upon it by the association’s constitution and restore calm among nurses in the country.
Tetteh J. Zutah
Email: [email protected]
