A non-governmental health advocacy organisation, Sickle Life, has called out a member of the Finance Committee in Parliament, Dr Stephen Amoah, for his recent description of the Ghanaian economy.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, Dr Stephen Amoah likened the state of the economy to a “child with sickle cell".

He told host, Samson Lardy Anyenini that; "Small push then there is a crisis. NDC and NPP have been trying to use a short-term approach to solve these problems that will not work. Let’s be very honest with ourselves. It will never work."

But this has not gone down with the health NGO.

In reaction, Sickle Life has described the comment as "reckless and insensitive." According to the organisation, such unwelcoming comments fuel the stigma associated with Sickle Cell Disease - a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affects haemoglobin – the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body.

"While there are indeed several health and social challenges associated with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), you fell short of your mantle when you used your platform to dehumanise the brave warriors who live with SCD by comparing them to a volatile and fragile economy."

"At a time when there is finally a great deal of national interest in SCD and the government of Ghana is making significant gains in the area of SCD-related issues, your remarks undermine this progress and, frankly, the tireless awareness efforts of organisations like ours. It also threatens to disrupt the investment we have begun to see from your fellow leaders and policymakers," the group added.

In view of the effect the comment made by Dr Amoah poses, Sickle Life has called on the Nhyiaeso MP to retract his comment and also take the opportunity to address the millions of stakeholders who have been impacted.

"Beyond that, we ask you - along with all the country’s leaders - to boldly and rightfully lead the charge on intervention efforts for SCD, especially considering the disproportionate impact it has on the constituents you serve," the group also stated.

Sickle Life is a non-governmental health advocacy organisation with the mission to educate the public about sickle cell disease and empower them to make informed decisions regarding the condition.

The Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative (SCAI) is a nonprofit initiative that seeks to improve the health and well-being of persons living with sickle cell disease through education, advocacy, research, and support.

SCAI and Sickle Life work with and on behalf of several sickle cell NGOs, PAGs and thousands of persons living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Ghana.