According to a report by My Joy Online on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, a petition has been filed by Dr. Vishnu Nene Limon Abayateye, a member of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), seeking the removal of the association’s president, Dr. Frank Serebour.
The petition stems from Dr. Serebour’s decision to direct GMA members to continue working during a nationwide strike scheduled for October 10, 2024, by Organized Labour.
The strike is a protest against illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
Dr. Abayateye’s petition, submitted on October 8, 2024, is set to be discussed during the GMA’s annual general assembly meeting in November, which will take place in Ho.
According to the petition, Dr. Serebour acted without consulting the National Executive Council or the general assembly before issuing a statement that the GMA would not participate in the strike.
This, Dr. Abayateye argued, violated the association’s constitution, specifically article 16, which requires broader consultation on such matters.
“This is in obvious contravention of article 16 of the GMA constitution,” Dr. Abayateye wrote, criticizing Dr. Serebour for acting unilaterally.
He further argued that the directive did not reflect the views of the association’s broader membership.
Dr. Abayateye also expressed concern about the impact of Dr. Serebour’s stance on the association’s reputation, particularly given GMA’s previous positions on health and environmental concerns related to illegal mining.
“The announcement made the association appear duplicitous in the eyes of well-meaning Ghanaians, especially given our previous positions on the health and environmental effects of illegal mining,” the petition read.
The petition was submitted under article 23 of the GMA constitution, which outlines the process for removing an executive member.
Dr. Abayateye has urged that the issue be included in the agenda for the upcoming meeting and communicated to all relevant officers and members.
The petition requires the support of two-thirds of the general assembly to move forward with Dr. Serebour’s removal.
As the GMA prepares for its annual meeting, the petition has generated internal discussions among members regarding whether Dr. Serebour’s decision aligns with the association’s core mission, particularly its stance on environmental health.
The GMA has yet to release an official response to the petition.