Sack Health Minister instead of Frimpong-Boateng – Allotey Jacobs

Bernard Allotey Jacobs

The Central Regional Communications Director of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has stated that the image of the government would be boosted if the health minister, Joseph Yieleh Chiereh is sacked rather than Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng.

Yieleh Chiereh, Minister of Health, signed a letter dismissing Prof. Boateng last Friday and instructing the heart surgeon to cease working at the Korle-Bu Cardiothoracic Centre with immediate effect.

The decision has led in its trail bitter condemnations of the action, culminating in a 'strike' by doctors at the Korle Bu Cardio Centre Monday who say they will not accept new cases until Prof Boateng's reinstatement.

President Mills is holding a meeting on the development and has called for restraint.

On Peace FM Monday morning, Allotey Jacobs did not hide his displeasure at the process to fire the heart surgeon, saying the manner in which Prof Boateng's dismissal was handled was unfair.

He questioned why anyone would want to disgrace a professional of Professor Boateng's caliber in such a manner and demanded that the Health Minister should explain to Ghanaians what his motivations were to take such an action in the most demeaning manner.

'Who is the minister pleasing,' Allotey asked, questioning why Frimpong Boateng should be treated as though he were just an ordinary person.

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JosephYieleh Chireh, Minister of Health
On his part, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Adenta, Kojo Adu Asare who could also not hide his frustration, said, 'I'm getting sick and tired of listing everything in [political] colours…'.

'Mr. Minister, this for me [is a big time goof].'
The Adenta MP added that the minister could have scheduled a meeting with the Professor and communicated the revocation of his appointment instead of seeking to humiliate him, stressing the need to idolize the likes of Frimpong Boateng who he said, have inspired many Ghanaians, especially the youth, to aspire to greater heights.

'For me, such people, we have to celebrate them; we don't humiliate them…'.

The crudity that accompanied the professor's dismissal, if not motivated by politics or sheer hatred, then it reveals sheer incompetence, mediocrity, and lack of professionalism in handling such a simple matter, observed Kweku Baako Jnr., Editor in Chief of the New Crusading Guide, who thought the development would affect the spirit of Ghanaian patriots who have toiled for the good of this country.

He said stories like this would not inspire those in the diaspora to return home and contribute their quota to the development of the nation.

Source: Myjoyonline