Rock City’s withdrawal doesn’t invalidate our strike – GMA

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has clarified that the withdrawal of Rock City Hotel from the bid to purchase 60 percent shares of four hotels owned by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) does not invalidate their planned strike.

This statement follows Rock City’s recent decision to withdraw its bid to purchase the four hotels including the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Labadi beach Hotel, Royal Ridge and Elmina Beach Hotel.

The GMA had earlier directed its members to withdraw Outpatient Department (OPD) services from July 15 to 17, 2024, and emergency services from July 18 to 21, 2024.

Dr. Richard Selormey, the General Secretary of the GMA, in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on July 12, emphasised that the strike is a response to the broader issue of SSNIT’s decision to sell the shares, not specifically against Rock City.

“The withdrawal does not at all make our strike moot. If you read carefully, the demand is being made by organised labour. It was not directed at Rock City or at any particular individual, for that matter. Our issue is clear and simple: the sale of the 60% shares of SSNIT, which is holding that money in trust for us workers in this country, should be stopped and terminated,” he stated.

In addition to the GMA, five other labour unions under the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have also announced plans to strike if the government does not terminate the deal to sell the SSNIT hotels.