GMA petitioned to remove its President Dr. Serebour

Dr. Frank Serebour, president of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), is facing a formal petition for his removal filed by Dr. Vishnu Nene Limon Abayateye, a member of the GMA. This petition follows Dr. Serebour’s directive that GMA members should continue working despite an upcoming nationwide strike organized by Labour on October 10, 2024, in protest against illegal mining.

Dr. Abayateye’s petition, which will be presented at the GMA’s annual general assembly meeting in Ho this November, criticizes Dr. Serebour for allegedly acting unilaterally in declaring that the GMA would not join the strike, without consulting the National Executive Council or the general assembly. He argues that this decision violates Article 16 of the GMA constitution and fails to represent the views of the membership.

He further contends that Dr. Serebour’s actions have damaged the association’s reputation, stating that the announcement has made the GMA appear inconsistent to the public, particularly regarding its previous positions on the health and environmental impacts of illegal mining. In the petition dated October 8, Dr. Abayateye emphasized that the GMA’s credibility has been compromised.

The petition, submitted under Article 23 of the GMA constitution, seeks to obtain the necessary two-thirds support from the general assembly to move forward with Dr. Serebour’s removal. Dr. Abayateye has requested that this issue be included on the agenda for the annual meeting and communicated to all members.

This development has ignited internal discussions within the GMA, with many members questioning whether Dr. Serebour’s directive aligns with the organization’s mission, especially regarding environmental health. The November meeting is anticipated to attract considerable attention as the future of the GMA presidency is at stake.

The GMA has not yet responded to the petition or issued an official statement regarding the situation.