GAMLS PRESIDENCY; A MATTER OF COMPETENCE OR COMPASS DIRECTION?
Very soon on the 17th of October 2020 if everything go on as planned, Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) will be electing a new President to carry the mantle from where the Dr Ignatius Awinibuno’s sterling leadership will be leaving it off. Characteristic of keen electoral contests in any organization, this year’s elections have seen two of GAMLS finest gentlemen MLSs Franklin Amartey Amarh (Biggy) and Abu Abudu Rahamani (AAR), pitch against each other in a quest to direct us to our desired future.
With both camps having well-oiled and highly talented pool of campaign machinery coupled with “We Cannot Fail” (Biggy) and “Ubuntu: I am, Because We Are” (AAR) respective campaign slogans, the 2020 GAMLS Presidential elections will go down in history as one keenly fought on the wings of relevant professional issues and innovative ideas. The stakes are obviously very high. It is therefore not out of place for such a contest to have its fair share of controversies and machinations, which are aimed at convincing the electorate to make informed choices.
Biggy brings with him an image of a superb eloquent speaker who when given the opportunity, can successfully sell snow to an Eskimo. He also has a strong entrepreneurial background, very rich track record of leading GAMLS in the Greater Accra Region, a very media friendly person and fantastic human relations with the rank and file. AAR also possesses very fine entrepreneurial acumen, great eloquence, fantastic track record in service to GAMLS and of course a very affable personality with all and sundry. These solid and quite similar attributes that they have both bring to the table, make them of very high pedigree and difficult for the electorate as to who is best fit for the great tasks ahead, as GAMLS President.
Just as reflective of the larger NDC-NPP national scale, there are GAMLS people who belong to the Biggy camp and will vote for him any day, due to how he has strongly impressed upon them, in addition to other loyalty factors. Invariably, there are GAMLS people who won’t take no for answer as to why AAR is not the man of the moment. A minority is undecided yet and these are the proverbial ‘floating voters’ that both campaign machines are battling to woo to their sides. We have seen a tremendous boost in audio-visual and other electronic means of selling messages to the voters, more than similar means that were deplored during the GAMLS General Secretary campaigns two years ago.
In the wake of these high levels of campaigning, an issue which is apparently gaining fast currency is about the location of the future GAMLS President. There have been accusations and counter-accusations from both sides about Biggy’s people playing their ‘Accra location card’ to their advantage…that the bright future of GAMLS is better protected by a President who is based in Accra and therefore can physically engage with the powers that be, at any time. Other valid arguments are also of the fact that no GMALS member of good standing should be barred from contesting for any national executive position, by virtue of their geographical locations. It is seen as a non-starter in the narrative for electing our leaders, since what is good for the goose must necessary be good for the gander, since there is no discrimination in the payment of membership monthly dues, irrespective of locations of members in Ghana.
The writer sees the geographical location campaign spin as a storm in a teacup, more so when Biggy the ‘accused’ person has come out openly to assure everybody of calmness and the need for issues based campaigning. Whichever direction the needle of a compass turns to at the geographical location of GAMLS members who want to serve, has its own ramifications. However it should never be seen as an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how the person utilizes the subject well in his messages. The ultimate decision lies with the voter.
I believe the things which matter at this moment for all of us, are how any of the candidates when given the nod can address or strengthen membership general welfare issues through workable innovative ideas and products, fight for the establishment of a Medical Laboratory Council, launching of the National Health Laboratory Policy, push for better Conditions of Service, make us more visible and attractive to the general public through regular mass media engagements, etc. Indeed the two candidates have their strengths and weaknesses and the one who appeals the most to the electorate with his well packaged intentions, will surely carry the day!
MLS EMMANUEL TOBOH (Manny) writes….
(28/09/2020)