The doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have declared a strike action, effective from Wednesday, March 13, in response to an imminent eviction threat from their current official residence at Danyame, a suburb of Kumasi.
The land has been ceded to the Asantehene on behalf of the subjects of the Golden Stool, with state bungalows to be relocated to an area retained by the government.
However, the handling of the relocation process by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council has led to discontent among the doctors. Some occupants of the bungalows have received eviction threats from private developers, despite not being relocated yet.
Dr. Michael Leat, Chairman of KATH Doctors’ Association, expressed concern over the continuous eviction threats and the adverse impact it has on the affected doctors’ ability to work effectively.
In response to the situation, the doctors’ association has unanimously agreed to lay down their tools and search for accommodation. Dr. Leat emphasized that while the lands have been given out to a private developer, the primary request from the doctors is to be relocated.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, stated that new apartments are being built for the affected doctors, with the project at an advanced stage of completion.
However, the doctors claim they have not been communicated with regarding the relocation arrangements, leading them to decide to abandon their duty post until the matter is resolved.
In summary, the strike action by the doctors at KATH is a response to the perceived lack of progress in the relocation process and the continued eviction threats they face. They are demanding clarity and assurances regarding their relocation before returning to work.