The Germany Branch of the New Patriotic Party[NPP] registers its disappointment and discontent over the sacking of Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng as the Head of the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korlebu Teachning Hospital by the Mills-Mahama administration.
Like our compatriots the world over, NPP-Germany considers the dismissal of the learned Professor unacceptable and should be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians irrespective of our political inclinations.
Our concern is not just about the sacking per se but the rather shabby and bizarre manner it was carried out. In all employment relations there are laid down rules and procedures regulating the termination of employment contract. We presume that such rules and procedures exist in the Ministry of Health as well. It therefore stands to reason that Mr Yeli Chireh, Minister for Health should have a constructive knowledge of this or at least is aware and should act accordingly.
Contrary to laid down procedures, the overzealous Health Minister for reasons best known to himself, decided to deliberately and unilaterally act in breach of such rules and procedures. The conduct of the Honourable Minister is unacceptable, unprofessional and vindictive to say the least .The display of such misguided conduct should have no place in our country today hence our call on President Mills to sanction the Minister.
It must be said that all great nations are built and thrive on the patriotism of their citizens. Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng is one of the very few and exceptional Ghanaians to have demonstrated the spirit of patriotism .No one can dispute the fact that the National Cardiothoracic Centre would not be what it is today without the initiative, determination and hard work of Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng .For a person of his calibre and standing to be dismissed with a three-paragraphed letter which was not even properly addressed but just ordering him to vacate his post with immediate effect brings back bitter memories of the PNDC era and a clear indictment of the leadership of our country today.
Even more disturbing is the decision by President John Evans Atta-Mills to support and attempt to justify the dismissal under the pretext of upholding the rule of law.According to the President, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng had reached the constitutionally mandated age of 60 and should retire in accordance with this constitutional provision.Just in case the President is unaware, we wish to draw his attention to the fact that there are several Professors at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Okonfo Anokye Teaching Hospital much older than Professor Frimpong Boateng but are still at post. A case in point is the Chief Executive Officer[CEO] of Okonfo Anokye Teaching Hospital who was appointed to that position by the NDC government in 2009 at the age of 62 and has been at post since.
As a law professor we expect the President to know that the rule of law also entails the equal treatment of all citizens and the principle of non-discrimination.To single out Professor Frimpong Boateng for such a blatant unequal treatment amounts to direct discrimination by all standards.
NPP-Germany is convinced that the dismissal of Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng is politically motivated and has more to do with his political leaning than any other flimsy excuse that the NDC government attempts to give.We wish to remind Ghanaians that this unfortunate decision by the Mills-Mahama administration will have far reaching consequences for our country.
In the first place, this reckless decision sets a bad precedent with regard to the power and ability of Ministers to dismiss Civil Servants and other public officials without regard to due process and laid down procedures. This will inevitably lead to the politicisation of the civil service, government departments and other para-statals.
Secondly the summary dismissal of Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng sends out the wrong signal to the numerous Ghanaian Professionals across the world who may have the wish and intention of returning to Ghana. This vicious decision will discourage and even deter other Ghanaians from coming home to contribute towards the national development effort.
While expressing our disgust and apprehension at government decision to dismiss the learned Professor without justification,NPP Germany would want to restate our highest respect for and admiration of Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng for his commitment and service to Ghana and humanity.For us Professor Frimpong Boateng is a national hero and an icon who should be celebrated and not humiliated.
Signed
Kwaku Anane-Gyinde.
Director of Communications
NPP-Germany