The Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association (GUNMA) has announced its members’ intention to stage a nationwide demonstration on April 16th.
This collective action comes in response to what they perceive as deliberate neglect by the government, leaving them jobless since 2020.
The association, representing over 70,000 individuals, has voiced their frustration with the persistent failure of both the Ministry of Health and the Finance Ministry to address their employment plight, despite numerous appeals and written correspondences.
Sarah Mensah, the National Public Relations Officer of the Association, articulated their grievances during an interview with A1 Radio.
“Members of our association are weary of idling at home, devoid of any meaningful engagement,” expressed Sarah Mensah.
According to her, since the onset of the unemployment crisis in 2020, the Association has tirelessly advocated for its members’ inclusion in the healthcare workforce, only to be met with silence and inaction from the authorities.
The situation, she added, has led to disillusionment among their members, who had entered the profession with a fervent commitment to healthcare service.
She, therefore, added that the looming demonstration will take place in Accra at the Ridge Taxi rank, where they will march to the Ministry of Health office and that of the Parliament House to meet with the health committee members and other key stakeholders in health.
\[04:59, 15/04/2024\] Moses A1 Radio: Over 70,000 GUNMA Members Ask Government Not to Use Economic Woes as Excuse for Their Unemployment
Over 70,000 graduate nurses and midwives across the nation have asked the government not to use the prevailing economic conditions as a shield in denying employment since 2020.
The professionals, who have found themselves grappling with the harsh reality of unemployment, have indicated that despite numerous appeals to various stakeholders, including the government, they have failed to adhere to their plight.
“The government can’t say due to the recent economic crisis it will not employ us. If so, then it will be a lie because we have seen it engaging other sectors. We are Ghanaians too and are tired of staying in the house doing God knows what. We are tired,” said the National PRO, Sarah Mensah.
Ms. Mensah, who was speaking on A1 Radio, articulated the frustration felt by members who have been left to languish in uncertainty.
“Our members are tired of roaming the halls of their homes, devoid of purpose. The promises of employment have fallen on deaf ears, leaving many disillusioned and desperate.”
She indicated that they have scheduled April 16th, 2024, to spotlight the glaring issue of joblessness that has plagued their members since 2020.
She added, “Do you know some of our members are surviving… tragically, some have turned to illegal mining, known as galamsey, in a bid to eke out a living.”
Tagging themselves as the Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Association, they asserted that the time for action could not have been better than now.
They, therefore, said their demands were clear, as they wanted an immediate end to the cycle of broken promises and a genuine commitment from the government to address the systemic issues that have perpetuated the crisis.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
