Amid the ongoing strike by the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities (SSA UoG), social media users are urging authorities to step in, expressing concern for the well-being of affected students.
Arguing that the lives of ill students are in jeopardy due to the strike, these users emphasize the potential worsening of the students’ health during the ongoing industrial action.
“Today Mark exactly 10 days Public Universities hospitals got shutdown due to strike action by the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities (SSA UoG). Sadly, students can not get access to healthcare which should be a basic needs. I want to plead with authorities to help,” a X user posted.
Today Mark exactly 10 days Public Universities hospitals got shutdown due to strike action by the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities (SSA UoG). Sadly, students can not get access to healthcare which should be a basic needs. I want to plead with authorities to help. pic.twitter.com/1NXAAlelyn
— EBENEZER AMOQUANDOH (@EBENEZERAM57544) January 29, 2024
The University of Cape Coast took the drastic step of indefinitely closing its hospital on January 19, 2024, in response to the senior staff strike.
The strike, declared by the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities in Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff (FUSSAG) on January 17, 2024, is a nationwide protest against the government’s alleged disregard for their welfare.
The association cites the government’s failure to fulfill obligations such as payment of their two-tier pension and overtime allowances as key reasons for the strike.
The withdrawal of services, including healthcare, administration, and security, has led to the closure of the university’s hospital.
During this period, the university’s communication team advises students to seek care for minor conditions at their respective hall infirmaries.
For severe conditions, students are directed to the school student’s clinic near the Sam Jonah Library, which will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day excluding weekends.
Additionally, the ongoing medical exam for fresh students has been temporarily suspended until further notice.