Ghana’s Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has threatened a nationwide strike beginning May 12, escalating a dispute over the removal of the head of laboratory services at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, the country’s largest referral facility.

In a May 5 letter to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Health and the National Labour Commission, the union said it would proceed with industrial action unless authorities reverse what it described as the “unilateral and unlawful” reassignment of a duly appointed Medical Laboratory Scientist.

MELPWU said the original appointment followed agreements reached at a February 3 stakeholder meeting convened by the Health Ministry—terms that prompted the union to suspend an earlier strike threat. The union now accuses hospital management of breaching those commitments by replacing the laboratory head with a physician, a move it argues contravenes established governance structures for laboratory services.

The union contends the decision undermines the professional autonomy of laboratory practice and risks disrupting healthcare delivery if unresolved. It is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the removed official, the creation of a clearly defined leadership structure for laboratory services, and the establishment of a dedicated regulatory council for the profession.

MELPWU is also calling for the removal of key hospital leaders, including Board Chairman Titus Beyuo, Chief Executive Officer Y. S. Adam, and Director of Medical Affairs Frank Owusu-Sekyere, alleging bias and conflicts of interest.
The union said it remains open to negotiations during the notice period but warned that failure to reach a resolution could disrupt essential health services nationwide.

Source:TheDotNews