News
Ayawine succeeds Kotei as ICU General Secretary
At the just ended 11th Quadrennial Delegates Congress of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU)-Ghana, Bro Mogan Ayawine was elected the 9th General Secretary of the Union by popular acclamation with Bros. Emmanuel Baah Benimah and Samuel Anaga elected to the positions of Deputy General Secretaries responsible for Operations and Administration respectively.
The three-day event was held by virtual screening from August 25-27, 2021, at the University of Professional Studies-Accra, the first time in the union’s history, and saw satisfactory participation by delegates drawn from all over the union’s constituencies nationwide.
Other national leaders elected are, Alhaji Nuru-Deen Alhassan, National Chairman, Bro. Paul Kofi Charwey, National Vice-Chairman, Bro. Charles Kojo Yeboah, National 1st Trustee and Sister Jemimah Senaye-Bentum, National 2nd Trustee.
During the just ended tenure of Bro Solomon Ashaley Kotei as General Secretary, Bro. Morgan Ayawine was Deputy General Secretary, in-charge of Operations whilst Bro. Emmanuel Baah Benimah was also Deputy General Secretary responsible for Administration.
Bro. Samuel Ananga who is Deputy General Secretary-Administration was then the Tema Regional Officer of the ICU.
Labour and Industry observers see the new leadership as having a task ahead particularly in this COVID-19 pandemic period characterised by economic challenges on the local front and globally.
The latest change in leadership of the ICU saw a fulfillment of the demands of the Union’s Constitution, in that for the first time in its history, a sitting General Secretary, Bro. Solomon Kotei democratically handed over the mantle of leadership to his successor after two terms of eight years in office without squabbles.
In all this, other observers see the current leadership as principled and would build on the gains so far chalked by the previous leadership.
Brother Ayawine, in an interview noted that the current national leadership would strive to sustain the gains made over the years by the union and follow the “tried and tested pathway” of his predecessor.
General Secretaries, particularly Bro. Solomon Kotei the immediate past General Secretary whose knowledge and expertise he said he would “tap into” as and when the need arose.
He said in the current COVID-19 pandemic period, the Union would collaborate with its social partners (employers) more than ever before to attain increased contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
Brother Ayawine emphasised that the union would not relent on its fight to ensure that the fundamental trade union rights of workers were respected and upheld in accordance with the laws of the land.
He noted that the Union would approach all negotiations in a very civil manner, without confrontation so as to ensure industrial peace and harmony at the workplace in particular, and in the country in general for sustainable growth and development.
By Spectator Reporter
News
Minister of Health appeals to Tamale Teaching Hospital striking doctors
The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to the striking doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to calll off the suspension and come to the negotiation table.
However, he refused to apologise as demanded by the striking doctors.
The doctors after a meeting yesterday have withdrawn emergency services following the dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital.
This follows an unannounced visit to the hospital by the Minister on Tuesday.
The Minister made the appeal when addressing the media in Accra on Today, April 24 2025.
According to him, dialogue is the only way out to resolve the issue, adding that he was ready collaborate with them.
“I am prepared for us to come around the table and discuss whatever we need to discuss,” Mr Akandoh said.
“My humble appeal to my wonderful medical doctors and health professionals at Tamale Teaching Hospital is that I am the first person to take care of your interests. Therefore, let’s call off the strike and let’s all regroup and strategise going forward,” he concluded.
News
Health Minister donates medical equipment to Tamale Teaching Hospital, pledges commitment to reforms
The Minister for Health Kwabena Miintah Akandoh has reiterated government’s commitment to address long-standing challenges in the health sector, describing the health system as one that requires urgent reform and collective responsibility.
He made these remarks during a donation of some essential medical equipment and supplies to the Tamale Teaching Hospital on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
The donation included a wide range of equipment such as ECG machines, ICU ventilators, cardiac monitors, anesthesia machines, infant incubators, and essential
Consumables amounting to about 35 items.
Among the items highlighted were
Emergency Health Equipment (EHE) sets, nebulizer sets, and medical-grade towels.
The Health Minister acknowledged the difficult working conditions health professionals continue to endure and emphasized that government efforts alone would not be enough to resolve systemic issues.
He called for unity across the health sector and urged all stakeholders, including medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to work together to ensure that the country’s limited resources are used efficiently.
He noted that the wellbeing of the ordinary Ghanaian should be central to healthcare delivery, cautioning against practices that marginalize the underprivileged due to resource scarcity. According to him, every Ghanaian life is valuable, and the system must reflect that belief in both policy and practice.
Mr.Akandoh stressed that his leadership approach is rooted in humility, collaboration, and respect for all health workers. While acknowledging that change may come with challenges, he maintained that cooperation is key to achieving lasting improvements in the sector.
The Minister pleaded with health professionals in the Tamale Teaching Hospital to call off the strike and regroup to strategize on more effective ways to address their concerns through dialogue and collaboration with relevant authorities.
The donation to the Tamale Teaching Hospital forms part of a broader national initiative to modernize medical infrastructure and enhance service delivery in Ghana’s healthcare.
