GNAT joins nationwide strike action against sale of SSNIT Hotels

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has thrown its support behind the industrial action by major labour unions in Ghana against the proposed sale of 60% shares in four Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels.

In a post on Friday, July 12, GNAT wrote "Workers of Ghana; members of GNAT take note" in response to the directive from Organised Labour announcing plans for an indefinite strike from Monday July 15, over the controversial sale.

Organised Labour, which includes the Trades Union Congress, Forum of Public Sector Workers and Ghana Federation of Labour, had called on all workers in Ghana to abstain from work until SSNIT publicly terminates the sale process.

In their press statement, Dr Yaw Baah, Secretary General of TUC said, "We, therefore, demand that SSNIT terminates the process immediately."

"We find it extremely difficult to understand how and why NPRA would turn around to approve such a flawed deal two weeks after the directive,” the statement further noted.

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has also announced plans to join the indefinite nationwide industrial strike action.

In a statement released on July 12, and signed by GMA President Dr. Frank Serebour and General Secretary Dr. Richard Selormey, GMA outlined a roadmap for the withdrawal of medical services by members starting next week.

From July 15-17, GMA members will withdraw outpatient department (OPD) services.

Emergency services will then be withdrawn from July 18-21.

A total withdrawal of all medical services across the country is scheduled to take effect from July 22 if the matter is not resolved.