By: Kwame Bediako
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured registered nurses awaiting posting that their issues will be addressed in due course.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on the GTV Breakfast show, Mr Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged the recent tensions in the health sector, which led to a strike by nurses and midwives over unmet Conditions of Service (COS). He confirmed that the strike has since been called off after constructive engagements with the relevant unions and emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving all other concerns.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the government inherited the problem of unemployed trained nurses, with about 45,000 currently at home. He reassured that the government is aware of the situation and is working to engage those affected.
“It’s a problem that we inherited, and it’s one that we will deal with because we were elected to address it,” he stated, emphasizing that the government has not forgotten the plight of the health workers.
The Minister also affirmed the government’s support for young people seeking employment opportunities in the public sector. He stressed that the administration remains committed to creating sustainable jobs and will engage with affected nurses and midwives in due time.
Regarding the ongoing Agenda 111 hospital project initiated by the previous administration, Kwakye Ofosu said the president is closely reviewing the initiative to implement necessary improvements. He highlighted the substantial funding challenge, noting that the project requires approximately $1.5 billion, which the government cannot secure easily.
The Mnister indicated that efforts are underway to diversify funding sources by involving stakeholders, private investors, and international partners to complete and operate the hospitals.
“So the president has said that we perhaps may have to diversify the source of funding. This is not realistic to expect that we will get the $1.7 billion or $1.5 billion to invest in this. And that we are willing to engage stakeholders, missions, private investors, and other interested parties who may want to take up some of these hospitals, complete them and run them in a manner that enables them to recoup their investment” Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu affirmed.
He further criticized populist slogans used by previous governments, cautioning against unfeasible promises. He emphasized that the government’s focus is on practical solutions and that President John Mahama has tasked the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh with developing a comprehensive plan to address the hospital project.
The plan will be presented to Cabinet for review, demonstrating the government’s resolve to resolve pressing healthcare issues responsibly and sustainably.
