Mr. Asante Krobea acknowledged receipt of the petition from CCNM including the reminder.

Mr. Asante Krobea said before the meeting could proceed he wanted representatives of CCNM to establish or prove that they are bonafide members of GRNMA by showing deductions on their payslips. Reps of CCNM said they do not have hard copies of their payslip at the meeting but could only go to the net and show their online payslips. Krampah Joseph, upon the instruction of Asante Krobea went around the table and confirmed the deductions on the payslips on their phones. They (GRNMA) however did not show proof of their deductions on their payslips to CCNM.

They (GRNMA) however did not show proof of their deductions on their payslips to CCNM.

Asante Krobea asked CCNM what the coalition stands for. The president of CCNM told them this is not the coalition’s first meeting with GRNMA and so it is surprising to hear the president of GRNMA asked that question.

The President of CCNM further said he hopes the meeting will not be master-servant relationship and that the ambience of the meeting will be friendly devoid of intimidations so that together we can all find amicable solution to the issue at hand. The president of CCNM further explained to the house what CCNM stands for.

Mr. Asante Krobea asked again if CCNM is speaking for nurses and midwives in Ghana, since he is a nurse and he is not dissatisfied with the decision of the conference so CCNM cannot claim to be speaking for nurses and midwives. He added that CCNM should prove that majority of nurses and midwives, including the signatories to the petition are not happy with decision of the conference to increase the nurses’ dues, building levy and the nurses’ fund.

CCNM told the house that nurses and midwives across the length and breadth of Ghana are not happy because the delegates did not vote for the increments but GRNMA claims they voted for and wants to implement the increment.

Mr. Asante Krobea said from where he sits nurses and midwives approved the decision of the conference. That those who are not happy are few and that is normal in every union.

Mr. Asante Krobea said from where he sits nurses and midwives approved the decision of the conference. That those who are not happy are few and that is normal in every union.

CCNM told the house that Asante Krobea’ statement clearly demonstrates that GRNMA has lost contact with the grass root members of the association and does not feel their predicaments.

Mr. Asante Krobea further asked if CCNM is aware that our various regions were represented in the 16th Biennial National Delegates Conference held in Cape Coast on 21st November to 24 November 2017. CCNM answered in the affirmative but indicated the constitution of the delegates was questionable.

He again demanded from CCNM, proof of mandate (in writing) from the nurses and midwives across Ghana that CCNM should speak for their interest, stating categorically that “the agenda of the meeting could only be discussed if CCNM was able to prove in that direction”.

He again demanded from CCNM, proof of mandate (in writing) from the nurses and midwives across Ghana that CCNM should speak for their interest, stating categorically that “the agenda of the meeting could only be discussed if CCNM was able to prove in that direction”.

CCNM told the house that Mr. Asante Krobea’s line of questioning is a diversionary tactics from the agenda and sort of intimidating. CCNM was surprised by the pronouncement by Asante Krobea that discussion of the substantive issues could only proceed if CCNM gives evidence that the grass root members mandated it to speak for them. CCNM further stated that the mandate it has is the over 5000 signatories attached to the petition but GRNMA said it was not admissible.

Joseph Krampah intervened and said that Asante Krobea made an individual statement and so CCNM should not generalised it that “the meeting could not continue if CCNM failed to provide evidence of mandate from the people to speak on their behalf”. CCNM rebutted that Asante Krobea is chairing the meeting and whatever he says is final.

CCNM asked for 5 minutes caucus outside. On return CCNM made it clear to the house that the demands of Asante Krobea are unnecessary since CCNM acting as a pressure group does not need such things being demanded by Asante Krobea before the merits of the matter be looked at. CCNM told the house that an individual or group of nurses/midwives can petition GRNMA on the decision of the conference and such people cannot be asked to provide evidence of mandate from the people but GRNMA was still adamant.

CCNM reiterated that the line of questioning by the GRNMA president is diversional meant to prevent the issues from being discussed. CCNM asserted that the ordinary nurse and midwife, majority of the grass root members of GRNMA are not happy with the decision of the conference. Asante Krobea stated that nurses and midwives are happy with the decision much to the surprise of the CCNM.

CCNM further told the house that it is not ready to answer questions from Asante Krobea either than the content of the petition since the invitation letter from GRNMA did not request CCNM to provide such things being demanded by Asante Krobea.

Mr. Asante Krobea said the meeting is adjourned until CCNM provides written mandates of the people it is representing.

In conclusion, the meeting ended without the merit of the matter being discussed.

REPRESENTATIVES

CCNM: Mr. Justice Badam Parmaak (President)

Mr. Malcolm Akatinga Ali (General Secretary)

Mr. Geyevo Emmanuel (PRO)

Mr. Siba Salisu (Vice President)

Mr. Edith Ruth Appiah (Treasurer)

GRNMA: Rev. Dr. Kwaku Asante Krobea (President)

Sis. Perpetual Ofori (General Secretary, GRNMA)

Mr. Krampah W. Joseph (Brong Ahafo Chairman, GRNMA)

Mr. David Tenkorang-Twum (Eastern Regional Chairman, GRNMA)

Mr. Alfred Addy (Central Regional Secretary, GRNMA)

Mr. Prince Opuni Frimpong (Greater Accra Secretary, GRNMA)

Source: PRO, COALITION OF CONCERNED NURSES AND MIDWIVES (CCNM)