By Jones Anlimah
The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has declared its independence from organised labour, asserting itself as a self-governing body within Ghana’s labour landscape.
Speaking at the association’s 66th Annual General Meeting in Ho, Volta Region, the President of the association, Dr. Frank Serebour, emphasised the GMA’s autonomy in decision-making, stressing that it would not rely on organised labour to dictate its stance on critical issues affecting its members.
The GMA’s Annual General Meeting, themed “Fostering Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Professionalism in Ghana’s Health Sector,” brought together medical professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the future of healthcare in Ghana. The theme reflects a broader agenda to integrate modern technological advancements and entrepreneurship into healthcare delivery, which, according to the GMA, are essential for advancing health outcomes in the country.
The event provided a platform for addressing critical issues facing the healthcare sector, including resource challenges, medical professionalism, and strategies for integrating technology and entrepreneurial initiatives into healthcare services.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, acknowledged the significance of technology in healthcare, particularly for remote areas with limited resources. Dr. Letsa emphasised the need for ongoing collaboration between government bodies, healthcare professionals, and private sector partners to ensure this vision becomes a reality. “Innovations such as telemedicine and advanced diagnostic tools have become crucial in our national effort to deliver quality healthcare to Ghanaians,” he said.
Dr. Letsa added, “However, the full potential of these advancements can be achieved only through our collaborative efforts as dedicated professionals committed to transformation. While we embrace technological advancements and entrepreneurial initiatives, we must remain steadfast in upholding the core values that govern our work.”
The President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Serebour, expressed support for advancing technology and professionalism in the field, highlighting how digital solutions can improve healthcare outcomes. Addressing the importance of the association’s autonomy in representing healthcare professionals’ interests, especially as healthcare issues grow more complex and demand direct advocacy, Dr. Serebuor stated that the GMA is an independent body and not a sunset of organised labour. “It must be stated clearly and unambiguously that the Ghana Medical Association is not a subset of organised labour,” Dr. Serebour categorically stated.
“We are an independent association and labour union that takes—and should take—decisions on our own terms and principles. The GMA cannot and should not be salivating when organised labour rings the bell,” he added.
The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, stated that the Ghana Health Service is committed to implementing technology-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, expand access, and build a more resilient health system. He underscored that entrepreneurship within the health sector will, among other things, create jobs and stimulate the economy.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Okoe Boye, said the ministry is working actively to introduce digital systems that will streamline healthcare administration and patient care nationwide. He further highlighted the need to support medical practitioners and technology entrepreneurs, noting that their collaboration would be essential for transforming the healthcare landscape.
“I want to assure the country that under the E-Health project, data protection will meet high global standards, and we are going to ensure that the data of Ghanaians is protected. Every doctor will have a unique ID number in the GRA system. If you are a doctor, when you get to the port, they can identify you. We are going to avoid the manual system and use electronic clearance for all the waivers for doctors,” the Health Minister noted.
The Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, emphasised the importance of innovation in healthcare as part of the NPP’s broader vision for national development. He also underscored the role of a technology-driven healthcare system in achieving the party’s goals of economic growth and improved quality of life for Ghanaians.
“The future of the country is in the digital world. Every sector of society has gone digital. Last week, we launched a 5G network in the country that transforms internet access and speed. It actually enables telemedicine and telehealth to be conducted in real-time and more effectively than ever before. The future of the health sector is digitalisation.”
A communiqué is expected to be issued after the AGM.
