Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are initiating an indefinite strike starting today, Wednesday, March 13, due to accommodation concerns.
According to the leadership of the association, its members are facing eviction from their bungalows, which are purportedly being sold.
Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, the Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association, expressed disappointment at the sudden displacement of hospital staff from their homes during an interview.
He emphasized that an agreement had been reached with Manhyia Palace for new accommodations before the land was handed over. However, it appears that this agreement has been disregarded, leading to the current situation.
“You will notice that a lot of our staff live 15 to 20 minutes away from the hospital, and all of a sudden, people will come and ask you to move from your place because it has been sold to them. We took that issue up and met with Manhyia on it, and it was agreed that a new place be prepared to move us there before you can take possession of the land. They have disregarded that with impunity, and so we are meeting this morning.”
“We will all leave the hospital to go and look for accommodation because we don’t have a place to sleep.”
Despite the Ashanti Regional Minister’s announcement of plans to relocate all government workers residing within a state land enclave around Danyame and Nhyiaeso, the doctors insist they will proceed with the strike until an immediate solution is implemented.