MELPWU threatens May 12 strike over Korle-Bu Lab Head removal
Nationwide strike looms over leadership dispute
The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has announced a nationwide strike set to begin on May 12, 2026, sparking concern across Ghana’s healthcare sector. The decision follows what the Union describes as the unlawful removal of the Head of Laboratory Services at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), one of the country’s leading medical facilities.
Background: Agreement reached, then broken
According to MELPWU, the controversy stems from a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Ministry of Health on February 3, 2026. At that meeting, it was agreed that a Medical Laboratory Scientist would head the laboratory services department.
This resolution was critical in persuading MELPWU and the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professions to suspend an earlier planned strike. The Union says it acted in good faith, trusting that the agreement would be honored.
Allegations of bad faith by hospital management
Tensions escalated when MELPWU accused KBTH management of reneging on the agreement. The Union claims that key officials including the Chief Executive Officer, Director of Medical Affairs, and Director of Human Resources reversed the decision and reassigned the appointed laboratory head. According to the Union, this move was made to accommodate demands from physicians, ultimately leading to the imposition of a doctor as head of the department.
Concerns over professional standards
MELPWU argues that appointing a physician to lead laboratory services undermines established governance structures within the profession. The Union insists that such a decision disregards the specialized expertise of medical laboratory scientists and threatens professional standards in diagnostic services. It further describes the situation as a breach of administrative agreements reported to the National Labour Commission, warning that it signals a breakdown in dispute resolution mechanisms within the health sector.
Union’s demands for resolution
In response, MELPWU has outlined a series of demands aimed at resolving the impasse:
Immediate reinstatement of the Medical Laboratory Scientist as Head of Laboratory Services at KBTH
Full adherence to agreements reached under the Ministry of Health
Establishment of a clear leadership structure for laboratory services
Creation of a separate regulatory council for medical laboratory practitioners
Additionally, the Union is calling for the removal or resignation of certain hospital officials, citing alleged bias and conflict of interest.
A window for dialogue before disruption
Despite its firm stance, MELPWU says it remains open to urgent negotiations within the statutory notice period. However, it has warned that failure to address its concerns could result in a nationwide disruption of critical health services.
As the May 12 deadline approaches, patients and healthcare stakeholders alike are watching closely, aware that the outcome could significantly impact service delivery across Ghana.
