The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has issued a notice of a nationwide strike, accusing the management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) of unlawfully removing the facility’s Head of Laboratory Services in breach of a binding agreement.
In a letter dated May 5, 2026, addressed to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Health, and the National Labour Commission, the union declared its intention to begin industrial action effective Tuesday, May 12, 2026, unless the matter is resolved.
According to MELPWU, the removal of a duly appointed Medical Laboratory Scientist from the position was unilateral and unlawful, directly contradicting resolutions reached at a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Ministry of Health on February 3, 2026.
The union noted that it had suspended a previously planned strike in good faith based on those very agreements.
However, the union now alleges that KBTH management, specifically the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Medical Affairs, and Director of Human Resource Management, reassigned the appointed head and replaced the individual with a physician.
MELPWU argues this contravenes established governance structures for medical laboratory services and undermines the profession’s integrity.
The union further claims the move violates agreements formally reported to the National Labour Commission and poses a serious threat to industrial harmony and healthcare delivery.
MELPWU is calling for the immediate reinstatement of the removed Medical Laboratory Scientist as Head of Laboratory Services at KBTH, a clear leadership structure for medical laboratory services, a separate regulatory council to oversee medical laboratory practice in Ghana and a strict adherence to the February 3, 2026, resolutions.
They also want the resignation or removal of KBTH Board Chairman Professor Titus Beyuo, CEO Dr. Y.S. Adam, and Director of Medical Affairs Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, whom the union accuses of bias and conflict of interest.
The union stated it remains open to urgent engagement with authorities within the notice period to avert disruptions to essential health services.
