Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Direction of the National Health Insurance Authority, Mr. Eric Ametor-Quarmyne has apologized to holders of the Higher National Diploma and students of polytechnics after the leadership of the Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS) drew the attention of Parents, Students, Parliamentarians and the entire public to the unfortunate and unethical comment that “with HND holders at the helm of affairs as scheme managers, the scheme definitely has challenges to deal with.” Mr. Eric Ametor-Quarmyne says his comments have been misunderstood and has subsequently apologized to whoever might have felt insulted. When he spoke to Asempa News, Mr. Ametor-Quarmyne said knowing how hard it feels like to study, he will not denigrate any form of qualification. He disclosed that he even has his child studying Accountancy at the Accra Polytechnic and so will not do anything to downplay the worth of the HND. (GNUPS) had said in a statement issued in Accra and signed by its Public Relations Officer Baba Alhassan that the comment Ametor-Quarmyne did not only demoralize polytechnic students and their parents but also served as an insult to the 230 parliamentarians who passed the law that governs NHIA. The student body therefore urged him to immediately apologize to all Ghanaians on his recent comments made during an interview with myjoyonline.com and also learn to deal with issues confronting the scheme. When Asempa News sought from the Public Relations Officer of GNUPS Baba Alhassan what they will do if they do not get the apology, he indicated that the students Union would advise itself. Story by Kwadwo Asare-Baffour Acheampong/Asempa News/Ghana Below is the full text of the statement from GNUPS. PERFORMANCE NOT QUALIFICATION The leadership of the Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS) will like to draw the attention of Parents, Students, Parliamentarians and the entire public on the unfortunate and unethical comment made by Mr. Eric Ametor-Quarmyne, Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs and Strategic Direction of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) that “with HND holders at the helm of affairs as scheme managers, the scheme definitely has challenges to deal with”. The comment made by Mr. Eric Quarmyne does not only demoralize polytechnic students and their parents but also serve as an insult to the 230 parliamentarians who passed the law that governs NHIA that is Act 650. Mr. Quarmyne has failed to realize the decision making body within institutions such as NHIA and the implementers of such decisions. The Ghana National Union of Polytechnic Students (GNUPS) would want Mr. Eric Quarmyne to come out immediately to apologize to all Ghanaians on his recent comments on myjoyonline.com and also learn to deal with issues confronting the scheme. The performance of an individual should be seen as different from his/her qualification(s) and as such would be prudent for people like Mr.Quarmyne to find proper ways of assessing their staff. The Union would further plead with all our stake holders to condemn the comments made by Mr. Quarmyne. It is just unfortunate but however exposes Mr. Quarmyne himself of how inefficient and incapable he is with regards to the position he is occupying. As a good manager, he is in the position to know which best means to use in addressing a mishap in performance of staff. Mr. Quarmyne has done nothing but only left a heavy cloud of doubt on his own personality and integrity as a manager. He is simply one of those who believe jobs must be given to only PhD and Masters Holders whether they perform or not. Honestly, the GNUPS doubts the efficacy of whatever qualification he also has and if he reflects that on the job field. Mr. Ametor Quarmyne, are the HND holders performing? Long live GNUPS Long live Ghana Baba Alhassan (Public Relations Officer)