STRIKES AND THE GHANA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

Strikes are legal and that is well understood. Let's pause for a moment and take a deeper reflection on the ramifications of these actions. I guess we all will see the damage that's usually caused. I've always felt bad about these actions although the organisers and partakers of these actions may always have legitimate concerns. It is always teachers here, doctors there etc. Listened to a radio discussion on the issue of strikes earlier today. In fact I was happy because my thoughts were expressed and more was added. A medical doctor phoned in and to my surprise castigated his fraternity. He bemoaned the path the medical association was threading. It's as if they only talk when a strike is imminent. This stemmed from the ultimatum given to the government by the Ghana medical association to look into their conditions of service or else.....(fill the gap). This necessitated this piece to present what I think and ask for critical commentary on my ideas. This especially is for the Ghana Medical Association. I know people might see this as funny and can even call me an ignoramus..I'm ready but that does not deter me from speaking my mind like #Kofisaidit. Let's say you are right for striking. Let's say it's legal to strike. Let's say your concerns are genuine. Let's say you don't care whatever happens afterwards. Let's say that is the way to go. Let's say your actions were beneficial at the end: you achieved your target. But how did that contribute meaningfully to Ghana's development?? Can you go back and undo the damage you caused because of your actions?? You were paid later but could you pay for the loss earlier?? I speak like a fool ain't it?? Limit your vexation for I might have a point. When do we hear the medical association in the news?? Is it not just to threaten government over money issues?? A friend once told me that, medical doctors have been exalted in Ghana so much so that, they have taken us for a ride. Beginning to see reason in that. They are treated preferentially from day one making them feel they are the 'superior' profession in Ghana. They see themselves 'gods' and expect to be worshipped. All other professions should pay homage to they, the 'exalted ones'. Right from school they have been the pharisees( separated ones) being praised and carried in high esteem. After school, almost everything is prepared and there's not much struggle to settle. Job secured, 'allawa' too and other goodies. I don't even want to talk about the respect society gives doctors. All these privileges provided to help make you who you want to be. Upon all that, they strike at any least thing. Is that how you are paying us back?? Do I need to tell you, you are to save lives?? Do I need to tell you it's rather the opposite your actions bring?? People toiled for this country to stand. What are you also doing to keep it on its toes? I know some are already defensive and have started vilifying me. But let's be sincere, passion seldom sends a person to a medical school today. No research conducted but quite sure money and pride are the germane motivating factors. The profession has become a place that shows 'class'. Doctors are presumed to be of a higher status. I'm sure that has made them bossy. This can partly explain the problem we are facing. Will it also be the the fact that, they are few? If you became a doctor for no other reason than the passion to save lives, then you are sure to be striking at the least provocation. They work is difficult, they say. But whose work is easy? Let me be frank with you, every job is difficult and nobody finds his(generically) work as easy as ABCD. No matter where you find yourself, you would face challenges. Don't even try again comparing yourselves to other professions on the basis of importance. What!! Let everyone strike and you would know you are just part of a team but not the whole team in the nation. Let everyone strike and you would see who is important. Respect your cleaners in your offices my friends. And spare me this annoying comparative analysis I often hear: go to America and see, go to Britain etc. As if Ghana can match America et al in any field. If you don't feel good at where you are, you simply move. Brigadier Nunoo Mensah spoke in unambiguous words- “If you don’t want the job, Ghana is not a police state. Take your passports and get out of this country and don’t destroy the country for us; if you can’t sacrifice like what some of us have done, then get out. If the Kitchen is too hot for you, get out,’’ Yes, you heard him. Harsh tone huh?? He was angry and felt Ghana was/is loosing the patriots. When we all compare our jobs to developed countries like America or Great Britain what happens?? It's not even their main salary too oo, they strike because of allowances mostly and other privileges. Some jobs don't even have allowance, what they get cannot even take them home yet they are there. This reminds me of one proverb in the 'Gods are not to blame' , " a chicken eats corn, drinks water, swallows pebbles, yet complains of having no teeth. If she had teeth, would she eat gold? Let her ask the cow who has teeth yet eats grass". What again should we do to you? We are not asking for too much brethren, it is what would help mother Ghana. I tell you,with all sincerity that it's not sweet anywhere. We need to SACRIFICE!! We have to be PATRIOTIC. You don't do this comparing yourselves to other people who are duping Ghana. You do this knowing in you heart you are serving a people whom you cheerish. You do this knowing you are saving a nation. Must somebody make you patriotic?? I rest my case. Feel free to educate me.