The Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG) has threatened to embark on a strike over a decision taken by the management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).

According to the association, on the 20th of September 2023, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital delivered release letters dated 19th of September 2023, to five accountants of the hospital to report to the Health Ministry for re-assignment, effective 26th September 2023.

It revealed that to its “utmost dismay”, all the affected Accountants are leaders of the local branch of HASAG Union in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital made up of four branch Council members, and one executive member of the union who is the Korle-Bu branch Vice President of the Association.

From all indications, HASAG stated that the affected accountants are being taken out of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital permanently to be reassigned under the Ministry of Health and never to return to the hospital.

“We are by this communique serving notice that, if the release letters given to our Union leaders at Korle- Bu teaching hospital are not withdrawn within seven (7) working days from the date of this letter, the union shall embark on a nationwide strike action to demand the withdrawal of the letters.”
Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana

Contained in a statement, HASAG highlighted that the move by the CEO and the Ministry, to take the local union leaders out of the hospital permanently will make it next to impossible for them to fight for the right of members.

President Akufo-Addo urged to intervene in matter

The association underscored that the decision by the CEO is not in accordance with the public service provision and the framework for negotiating condition of service for Ghana public sector health workforce.

“Reference is hereby made to section 3.1.i-iii of the framework for negotiating condition of service for Ghana public sector health workforce 2015 page 12 on posting referred to as ‘the conditions of service’, states that, i. Where the posting is intended to be more than two (2) years a reasonable period of not less than three (3) months’ notice shall be given to the employee.
“ii. As far as possible postings shall be done before the commencement of each academic year. iii. Enable employees to arrange for schools for their wards where necessary. Posting should, under no circumstances, be used as a punitive measure.”
Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana

Moreover, HASAG stated that it is obvious that the release by the hospital is a pure attempt aimed at “victimizing and intimidating” the leadership and its members.

This, it emphasized, is in order to gloss over, due process involved in the appointment of a substantive director of finance for which the case is pending in court for determination.

“Discussion that have gone on with certain stakeholders indicate clearly that the affected members are being transferred because of their involvement in the case before the law court. The leadership of the union believes that the release of the five members of the association is not justified especially once the matter is in court.”
Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana

To this end, the association called on His Excellency, President Akufo-Addo to call the Health Minister, the Board Chairman KBTH and the CEO of KBTH to order in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.