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Labour front heats up with strikes …as workers demand COLA from govt
Industrial action by workers or strike is a temporary show of dissatisfaction by employees to protest against bad working conditions or low pay and also to increase bargaining power with the employer to improve salary and other emoluments of workers. This may take place in the context of a labour dispute or may be meant to effect political or social change. This form of communication tends to be the only means for workers to voice their concerns after unsuccessful agitations for better conditions of service.
LABOUR FRONT HIT BY STRIKES
In recent times, the country’s labour front has been hit by a lot of strikes as some of the organised workers’ unions have either embarked on strike action or threaten to lay down their tools in demand for what they termed, ‘Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)’ in view of the current economic hardships in the country that has forced the government to go for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The present financial situation of the country is so precarious that the government is finding it very difficult to yield to some of these labour agitations and demands for better conditions of service, hence these unstable situations and threat of strike to drum home the concerns of workers in the formal sector of the economy.
Just recently, July 4, 2022, four teachers’ unions in the country, declared a nationwide strike over government’s failure to meet the June 30, 2022 deadline they gave it for the payment of their Cost of Living Allowance. The Unions are, The Ghana National Association of teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT).
FOUR TEACHER UNIONS DEMAND COLA
According to a statement read by the General Secretary of GNAT, they had been compelled under the current circumstances to publicly communicate to Ghanaians their intention to go on strike, having gone passed the June 30, 2022 deadline they gave to government for the payment of the COLA. Consequently, they had decided to embark on the strike with retrospective effect from July 4, 2022. He said; “By this, we are informing the general public that, we are withdrawing services in all the pre-tertiary education institutions. This includes teaching and non-teaching staff.”
He said the teacher groups were disappointed at the government’s failure to heed their calls, hence the strike action. The teachers are fighting for the payment of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of their salaries as COLA. Their demands are coming at the time when the government appeared to be constraint with weight of an increasingly tighter economic environment that has compelled the country to seek an assistance from the IMF to restructure the economy.
PROFESSIONAL NURSES AND MIDWIVES JOIN THE FRAY
While the teachers’ agitations remain unsolved, the leadership of the Union of Professional Nurses and Midwives, Ghana (UPNMG) has threatened the government to pay all public sector members of the union COLA to avert further industrial action. According to the union, “it is surprised at the laxity with which the welfare of nurses and midwives have been bundled within these hard economic times and wants the government to intervene by paying its members COLA as it was done in 2014 in a similar economic situation.” The union stated in a press release issued recently that it expected nothing short of similar stopgap measure to cushion the many nurses and midwives in the country.
These threats have assumed a wider dimension in most recent past with another call from the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) to government to pay doctors the necessary COLA to cushion them in view of the present economic difficulties. Hear the General Secretary of the GMA, Dr. Titus Beyuo; “Doctors, like other members of organised labour, have equally been hit by the current economic hardships. The GMA is part of the bigger group called the FORUM which has also called for the COLA. We are singing the same song and we have wished that government would have started with us much earlier to negotiate and discuss this matter.”
DOCTORS SOUND THE ALARM BELL
Highlighting the plight of doctors, Dr. Beyuo said “doctors were struggling we are buying from the same market, we are buying the same fuel, we don’t get fuel coupons and doctors have parked their cars and are now getting on board trotro, because they can no longer afford fuel.”
It appears that these strikes are going to continue unabated for some time, unless the government finds ways and means within the current economic struggles to address the concerns of workers across board. Any piecemeal approach to these agitations by the various unions will bring in its wake massive strikes from other labour unions which the government will find it difficult to contain.
NEGATIVE REMARKS FROM MINISTERS ABOUT THE STRIKES
The negative and provocative remarks from some government officials including ministers of state concerning these strikes by the labour unions if not checked, will infuriate the striking workers and affect any efforts by the government to negotiate meaningfully with the various unions on the way forward in order to find lasting solutions to the impasse. For now, the government needs to be tactful and meticulous in handling this matter and refrain from the unfavourable comments on the issue by some ministers and other political communicators.
We are indeed in terrible times and our financial situation is so bad and precarious that, we have to run to the IMF for a necessary bailout to our economic woes and challenges. Just as most of our economic and financial think tanks have alluded, going to the IMF for financial bailout is not a panacea to our problems, however, we don’t have any option than to access the facility. According to the financial analysts and economists, we are bound to face austere situation as there will be harsh conditions attached to the IMF facility. All the same, Ghanaians ought to brace themselves to face the challenges and the emerging consequences squarely.These labour agitations will eventually, heighten the current economic situation and put more pressure on government.
REDUCING THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT
The call by Ghanaians to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take a second look at the large number of his ministers and other appointees in government i.e. presidential staffers and reduce the number so as to cut down expenditure, might be in the right direction and needs to be given a serious thought and consideration. At the least, the reshuffling of the ministers is necessary at this material time to save the needed revenue to take care of our striking teachers, nurses and doctors who are doing a yeoman’s job to our dear nation.
These frequent strikes by the various labour unions have reminded me of ‘Things Fall Apart’, the debut novel by the Nigerian author Chinua Achebe which was first published in 1958. Indeed, things are fallen apart in our dear and beautiful country called Ghana and it appears that the centre cannot hold.
NATIONWIDE STRIKE IN THE OFFING
Government needs to handle these threats of strike by the labour unions maturely, otherwise when they get out of hand, we will be in a serious crisis. Indications are that these strikes will soon assume a wider dimension as the mother union- the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU) has set aside next Tuesday, July 19, 2022 for a nationwide industrial action to press home their demand for the payment of COLA to all members. Imagine doctors, nurses, mortuary attendants and other utility providers such as Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Company embarking on total strike, what will be the fate of this country? A word to a wise is enough!
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By Charles Neequaye
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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