Korle-Bu Allied Health workers stage demo to demand reinstatement of Departmental Head

Peaceful demonstration at Central Laboratory
Allied Health Professionals at the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital on Friday embarked on what they described as a peaceful demonstration to demand the immediate establishment of a directorate for their department at the hospital’s Central Laboratory. Carrying placards and marching through parts of the hospital premises, the protesting workers called on hospital authorities and the Ministry of Health to recognise the growing importance of Allied Health Professionals within Ghana’s healthcare system. The demonstration, according to the group, was aimed at securing stronger administrative representation and ensuring that professionals within the department are given the opportunity to manage their own affairs independently.

Demand for reinstatement of former Department Head
A key concern raised during the protest was the alleged unlawful revocation of the appointment of a former Head of Department. The group insisted that the former departmental head should be reinstated immediately, arguing that the decision to remove the individual was unfair and unjustified. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Public Relations Officer of the association, Dr Gloria Amagatcher, stressed that the demand for reinstatement was one of the central reasons for the demonstration.
“We demand the reinstatement of our HOD, whose appointment has been unlawfully revoked. So, we want that reinstatement to be done as soon as possible,” she stated.

Allied Health Professionals defend their competence
During the protest, Dr. Amagatcher highlighted the critical role Allied Health Professionals play in healthcare delivery, particularly in laboratory diagnosis and patient care. According to her, professionals within the department contribute significantly to medical diagnoses and deserve greater recognition at the leadership level.
“We contribute to about 70 per cent of the diagnosis that they give to patients,” she explained. She noted that the profession has evolved over the years, with many practitioners now holding advanced qualifications, specialist certifications, and consultant status.
“So, we are competent enough to lead our own people,” Dr. Amagatcher said.
She further explained that the department already has qualified consultants and specialists capable of effectively handling leadership responsibilities without outside interference.
“We have different specialisations, different consultants who can lead our own people. So, leave us to lead our people,” she added.

Call for an Allied Health Directorate
The protesting workers argued that the establishment of a properly structured Allied Health Directorate is necessary to improve healthcare delivery at Ghana’s premier teaching hospital.
In a statement read during the demonstration, the group said Allied Health Professionals perform essential duties across multiple aspects of healthcare, including diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, research, and support services.
“Allied Health Professionals play indispensable roles in diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, research, and healthcare support services,” the statement said.
The protesters maintained that creating a dedicated directorate would not only strengthen administration but also improve efficiency and accountability within the hospital system.
“A properly structured Allied Health Directorate is therefore not merely an administrative matter. It is essential to strengthen healthcare delivery at Ghana’s premier teaching hospital,” the statement added.

Assurance to the Public
Despite their grievances, the protesters assured the public that patient care and accurate laboratory services remain their top priority. Dr. Gloria Amagatcher urged Ghanaians to continue trusting laboratory results produced by Allied Health Professionals at the hospital, insisting that their work remains reliable and professional.
“All that we are asking is for the public to really respect and believe in the results that we turn out. Our results are accurate and reliable,” she stated.

The group also emphasised that the protest was organised in the interest of improving healthcare administration and safeguarding public welfare.
“This morning, we have made a statement with our procession. And this statement is for all and sundry,” the statement noted.
“It is first to assure the general public that we will do whatever is important and necessary to safeguard their interest.”