The Central Laboratory of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital may be shut down on Thursday, May 7, following escalating tensions between Management and laboratory scientists over the removal of a senior official.
More than 300 laboratory scientists staged a protest at the facility on May 6, demanding the immediate reinstatement of their Head of Unit, whom they claim was unlawfully dismissed.
The demonstration disrupted routine services and left patients stranded, with many expressing frustration over the lack of communication.
The aggrieved staff argue that the decision to replace their head with a medical doctor undermines the profession. They insist that leadership of laboratory units should be reserved for qualified laboratory scientists.
Although the group had initially planned to embark on a full strike on May 12, they opted to begin with a picketing exercise to press home their demands.
Local union chairman, John Nakoja underscored the operational challenges caused by the leadership vacuum.
“Currently, we don’t have a head of department, and the work has been affected because there is no one to issue checks to ensure the work is done,” he said.
Patients who arrived unaware of the protest were left waiting for hours, unable to access laboratory services.
“They are saying they are not working, and they have not told us the reason why. We spent money for the lab, and we are coming for the results, but they are not working—why?” one patient lamented.
The protesting staff later marched to the hospital’s administration block, warning that they would not resume work unless their colleague is reinstated.
Despite attempts by union leaders to calm tensions, the situation remains unresolved.
“I have tried to calm them, but it is not working. What they are saying is that if Management does not reinstate their head of unit, they will shut the whole lab at Korle Bu down,” Mr. Nakoja added.
At the national level, the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers union (MELPWU) has also weighed in, describing the situation as concerning.
Vice President of the Union, Dr Amartey Armah criticized the appointment of a medical doctor to head the unit, arguing that laboratory professionals have the expertise to lead.
“We are saying that it is unfair for a medical doctor to head the unit. We, as lab scientists, have developed capacity over the years—we can also be in charge,” he stated.
Dr. Armah cautioned that failure to resolve the dispute promptly could disrupt the otherwise stable working environment at the hospital.
With both sides holding firm, uncertainty looms over the continued operation of one of Ghana’s leading medical laboratories.
By Daniel Opoku
