Dr. Frank Ankobea, President GMA
The leadership of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) should have lived to their billing of honesty and sincerity. The medical practitioners who the GMA represents proudly wear the aforementioned attributes and rightly so; untoward acts on the part of the association tends to attract innocent doctors,’ and erroneously so, unsurprising opprobrium. Doctors cut out as fine ladies and gentlemen should be spared the heat of the political space of the country. Be it as it may, we would be measured in taking issues with the grouping and not individual doctors.
We want to believe that the sudden about-turn posture the association has exhibited regarding the medical drone project is the result of coming inadvertently under the shadow of politicians.
The GMA has in the past few days showed a rare conduct – one which is not a known attribute of their calling. After applauding the Vice President when during his speech at their 60th anniversary recently he announced the launching of a medical drone service, they appear to have made a major turnaround.
They have subtly kicked against the drones they clapped for; displaying a vacillation not known to belong to medical doctors. Medical practitioners do not belong to the club of bad politicians but by their recent media remarks about the drones, they could be seeking a position among the club of unstable politicians who can easily disown their words when they are cornered.
We know doctors are beyond such attitude. That is why the GMA’s unstable position about the drones which would soon be airborne anyway, is a source of consternation.
The Minister Of Health could not have decided on the details of the drone service without consulting the leadership of the GMA and so the demand for further consultation could easily pass for a stab in the back of government which would be unfair at this time when the drones are preparing for takeoff as it were, clearance already given.
Politicians on the other side of the aisle took in harsh words for their diabolic remarks. The GMA do not deserve such reaction but rather words that would remind them that the ladies and gentlemen they represent are above the petty scathing politics of supporting and altering the position at the eleventh hour.
Thank God. Just when we completed our commentary, word reached us that the GMA and the health ministry have agreed to work together for the takeoff of the drones. We hope this is for real. If so, bravo GMA: stay the Ghana First cause always.