New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has held discussions with the leadership of three health-related organisations as part of his continuing consultations with stakeholders.
The Ghana Health Information Management Association, the Ghana Association of Community Mental Health Officers and the Nutrition and Dietetics Association of Ghana were represented at the meeting.
Their discussions covered the recognition of professional cadres, legislation, recruitment and regulation, as well as the need to improve conditions of service for workers in the sector.
Dr Bawumia said the consultations were helping him gain a clearer understanding of the concerns affecting different professional groups and develop policies suited to their needs.
“Every conversation offers an opportunity to better understand the issues and helps us design tailor-made policies to serve the people of Ghana,” he said.
Writing on Facebook after the engagement on Wednesday Octpober 20, Dr Bawumia thanked the three organisations for sharing their expertise.
“I am grateful to all three organisations for affording me the opportunity to tap into their rich insights,” he wrote.
The meeting formed part of a wider programme of engagements with professional and industry groups ahead of the development of policies for the country.
Earlier, Dr Bawumia met the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers to examine the difficulties facing Ghana’s garment and apparel industry.
The discussions also focused on measures that could improve the sector’s competitiveness in international markets, while increasing its contribution to employment, local businesses and economic growth.
Dr Bawumia said the industry had considerable potential to create jobs, strengthen domestic enterprises and support the expansion of Ghana’s economy.
He said the level of support provided to Ghana’s garment industry compared with countries including Bangladesh and Benin was inadequate.
“We agreed that compared to countries such as Bangladesh and Benin, Ghana does not adequately support the garments industry. This must change going forward,” he said.
Dr Bawumia also expressed his appreciation to the Association of Garment and Apparel Manufacturers for its contribution to the discussions.
“I thank the Association for the open discussions and valuable contributions, which will help shape our policies for the sector,” he said.
