Korle-Bu Lab Workers Announce Strike Action Over Management Disputes

Accra: Medical laboratory workers at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital are set to undertake industrial action starting Wednesday, due to unresolved disputes with hospital management concerning the operations of the Central Lab and related issues. The impending strike is anticipated to cause significant disruptions to health services at the hospital. According to Ghana News Agency, the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Chapter of the Medical Laboratory Professional Workers Union (MELPWU) has issued a Notice of Industrial Action. The notice, which was shared with the Ghana News Agency, states that general laboratory services will be unavailable to the public. The union cites ongoing leadership and operational issues as the reasons for the action. The notice, signed by John Kofi Nakoja, local chairman of MELPWU, and addressed to the hospital's Chief Executive Officer, outlines a two-phase execution plan for the strike. Phase one, spanning from 4th to 8th February 2026, involves the suspension of all Out-Patient Departme nt (OPD) laboratory services, with only emergency cases for in-patients being handled by skeletal staff. Laboratory samples requiring follow-up beyond 8th February will not be accepted. However, services at the Blood Bank and the Cardiothoracic Centre will continue for patients under intensive care. Phase two, commencing Monday, 9th February 2026, will see a complete withdrawal of all medical laboratory services at the hospital, affecting even the Blood Bank and Cardiothoracic Centre. The union has also warned of a potential escalation of the action by its national leadership if the issues remain unresolved. Earlier communications from the union highlighted management's failure to appoint a substantive Head of Laboratory Services and Laboratory Manager for the Central Laboratory, despite completed interviews. Concerns were also raised regarding the removal of acting officers without replacements. A prior Notice of Strike issued last week, which included a seven-day ultimatum, accused hospital management of withholding essential laboratory logistics, leading to operational disruptions and risks to patient safety. The union alleged that management was deliberately restricting these logistics, thereby compromising effective health service delivery. Additionally, the union expressed concern over management's plans to privatize or outsource the Central Laboratory without involving the union as a stakeholder, labeling it as administrative neglect and a breach of management's duty to ensure effective health service leadership. MELPWU demanded the appointment of a qualified Head of Laboratory Services, a substantive Laboratory Manager, and a Director of Allied Health Services within seven days of the notice, alongside the suspension of any privatization or outsourcing plans pending negotiations with the union. With the ultimatum expiring on Tuesday, 4th February 2026, and no resolution in sight, the union has commenced a sit-down strike across all hospital laboratories. In announcing the strike, the union reassured stakeholders of its dedication to safeguarding patient safety and staff welfare.