The General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwifery Association, (GRNMA), has been chided for his recent comments against the Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for his alleged lack of understanding of hospital dynamics due to his background as a farmer.
According to the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF), the comments were “derogatory” and “unprintable” which amounts to “verbal attack on farmers”.
The group, which is issuing the directive has given Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, to retract and apologize or they take the next line of action.
“GNAFF hereby serves notice to David Tenkorang-Twum to within 24-hours, retract his unfortunate remarks and render an unqualified apology to all farmers and fishermen across Ghana. Anything short of this will compel GNAFF to consider the appropriate steps necessary to defend the dignity and integrity of our hardworking members”.
Dr Tenkorang-Twum recently incurred the wrath of the section of the public following his comment concerning an incident at the Ridge Hospital where one activist, Ralph Saint Williams, allegedly attacked a medical professional.
The controversial activist reportedly assaulted a nurse after the former sent a patient to the hospital also known as the Greater Accra Hospital and the said person was not given the needed attention as fast as he wanted as it was an emergency.
The incident which was captured on video and went viral on social media, drew the attention of the Minister, who rushed to the scene to calm the situation.
Mintah Akandoh who after initial interaction with the professionals condemned the act, calling on the public not to assault health workers, following which he granted interview which apparently Dr Tenkorang-Twum found fault with referring to it as coming from a farmer during an interview on Asempa FM.
Many, including the Concerned Nurses and Midwifery Association of Ghana (CNMAG) have publicly rebuked the general secretary for disrespecting the minister, calling on the GRNMA to call their executive to order demanding an apology.
The Minister, during a press conference, also indicated that he is a proud farmer known for being behind one of the biggest local rice farms in the country.
“I understand, on the more lighter note, I have been reminded of the fact that I am a farmer, Yes, nobody needs to remind me. I am a proud farmer, and everybody knows it. Until my appointment, I was one of the largest rice farmers in this country. I am proud of that.
”Please, we have a lot to deliver, and some of these things will not divert our attention. We will continue to do our best for Mother Ghana”, he said.
Adding to the growing calls, GNAFF said “As the mother body of farmers and fishermen across the country, GNAFF condemns in the strongest possible terms these unwarranted and disrespectful comments against farmers. We are deeply shocked and dismayed that such abusive words could be uttered by a leader of a professional body, who should be expected to conduct himself with decorum and respect”.
The group stressed on their importance to the economy saying “Farmers and fishermen have long been the backbone of Ghana’s economy, contributing immensely to the nation’s growth, food security, and economic survival. It is therefore highly disheartening, discourteous, and unacceptable for such a venerable group to be subjected to public ridicule in this manner.”
Meanwhile, Dr Tenkorang-Twum has reacted to calls to apologize to the minister saying his comments were not directed at the sector minister.
Speaking on UTV, earlier on Friday, he said he respects the sector minister and he and his father and other family members are farmers and so he cannot talk down on him. He rejected accusation that his assertions were derogatory.
“My remarks were not made in a derogatory manner. I respect the Minister and was not referring to him”, he said.