News

Former employee of AGAMal left in regrets after medical checkups abrogated by the company

• By Digme Kantayir
• February 18, 2019
• 30

56 years old Isaac Dunee is left to his fate after his medical check ups with RABITO clinic was terminated by his former employee, AGAMal Limited.

ANGLO GOLD ASHANTI Malaria Control is a program implemented by the gold mining company in the fight against malaria in some regions in Ghana. This program is designed to allow chemicals to be sprayed on walls within rooms and its surroundings by spray men to combat mosquito insect in away to fight malaria.

In the Upper West Region, as at 2017 Jirapa, Nadowli, Sissala East, Sissala West, Lawra, Wa East, Wa Weet and Wa assemblies were targeted for the said operations where Mr. Dunee was supervisor in charge of the spray men.

Mr. Dunee on the 20th of June 2017 complained to the AGAMal office here in Wa over some skin rushes that had spread across his back. He expressed fears it might be his contact with the chemicals used whiles a group supervisor at the organization and a Hospital Response Form was issued to him. Dr. Emmanuel Frank Abu a medical officer of the Regional Hospital attended to him and our checks correspond as such.

The diagnose stated Hypersensitivity Reaction (Dermatitis) and complains severe itchy body, lack of sleep and excessive sweating. The findings by the doctor were as follows, cluster of mauler skin lesion distributed on the back and buttocks. The doctor later recommended a skin specialist attend to Mr. Dunee.

AGAMal later issued a later dated 15th December 2017 to The Medical Officer in Charge, RABITO Clinic in Wa, requesting for ‘Medical Examination and Treatment for Isaac Dunee’. The letter was signed by Kwame Yamoah the Head of Human Capital Management at that time. 

‘we would be grateful if your facility will conduct a thorough examination/test on him, especially when there is time gap between the initial medicals and now, and provide a report for management review and action’ the letter stated in parts.

In a document dated 27th March, 2018 from RABITO clinic, states as follows, ‘a punch biopsy for histopathology was taken and the results revealed spongiotic dermatitis such as contact dermatitis or Atopic dermatitis. He is presently on treatment’

This report also gave details of his condition and findings made by RABITO, but Mr. Dunee was told by the organization to have the report interpreted by medics of his (Dunee) choice on the orders of the company medical doctor.

Team of medics from the Regional Hospital led by Dr. Banabas B. Naa Gandau the medical director gave the following recommendations after a group of medical doctors ‘interrogated and examined him separately’ and dermatologist contacted on comments for best practices.

Regular medical examination (twice a year) should be conducted on him to detect any possible recurrence or new areas of disease and also further assessment is required as dermatologist could be consulted to conduct such assessments on him.

This recommendation however are cut short by the company with AGAMal accusing Mr. Dunee of contacting RABITO clinic at their blind side.

This was made known by Mr. Eric Fosu-Kobi the finance officer of AGAMal. He explained that at the time Mr. Dunee reported his ailment to the organization, his contract had elapsed and explained “management only wanted to help him as a formal worker”.

Mr. Fosu-Kobi again disclosed that samples of the infections on his (Dunee) skin was taken out of the country for medical purpose but could not tell if it was linked to the chemicals used in their combat operations. He further stated AGAMal was ready willing to pay any compensation due him but needed to prove his condition was a result of the chemicals they work with.

“let me cut a long story short. Until the medical report comes out to confirm his exposure to the chemicals caused that rushes and the Labor officer signs it off and agrees with the doctor and specific incapacity, we would not be able to give any compensation” he stated.
He again stated that Mr. Dunee made some demands after reporting the organization to the Labor department here in Wa. The demands included an Apology from the Human Resource Officer, Reinstatement and Compensation.

He said for reinstatements, management decided it wasn’t proper to expose him further to the same chemicals that were still under investigation at the time and  for compensation, they couldn’t have done otherwise until the medics attributed his ailments to the chemicals.

Mr. Dunee who was a member of the operations department for the period 24th April, 2017 to 14th July, same year as a Group Supervisor got recommendation for ‘Continued Employment’ by his immediate supervisor Mr. Abdulai Karim who evaluated his performance as captured by the company’s Employee Performance Evaluation Form.

Mr. Dunee has since threatened court action as his lawyers against the company whiles still seeking treatment at his own cost after the company instructed RABITO Clinic to no longer attend to him.

Source: UWR/Ghana/Watchghana