Source: Africa Publicity
Ghana’s Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has intensified its standoff with management at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, insisting that key grievances surrounding the hospital’s Central Laboratory remain unresolved despite official assurances about the credibility of laboratory results.
In a press release issued Friday, the union said recent public comments by Dr. Asare Offei, Chairman of the Korle-Bu Doctors Association, had created fear among patients after he allegedly suggested that results generated by the Central Laboratory “do not make sense” and “cannot be trusted.”
According to MELPWU, the remarks “caused anxiety among patients, undermined confidence in healthcare delivery, and unfairly attacked the integrity of Medical Laboratory Scientists at the Central Laboratory and beyond.”
The union welcomed a statement from management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital affirming that the Central Laboratory is “scientifically sound and internationally accredited,” staffed by “highly qualified professionals,” and produces “valid, reliable, scientifically accurate” results in line with ISO 15189:2022 standards.
MELPWU stressed that “laboratory result accuracy is driven by scientific systems, quality standards, validated procedures, and competent professionals not by the signatures or professional titles of a physician as the public was being made to believe.”
The union, however, said the core issues behind the impasse have not been addressed. These include what it described as “the unlawful removal of the Head of Department (Medical Laboratory Scientist),” “the imposition of irregular administrative structures within the Central Laboratory,” and “attempts to undermine the autonomy and leadership of Medical Laboratory Scientists.”
MELPWU disclosed that the Ministry of Health, through a letter dated May 5, 2026, has established a three-member technical review committee to seek “an amicable, objective, and sustainable resolution” to the dispute.
The union is demanding the “immediate reinstatement of the duly appointed Head of Department (Dr. Michael Amo-Omari) who has been unjustifiably removed from his role.”
It also called for “a clear leadership structure for laboratory services and a separate regulatory framework to be the sole body coordinating activities of practitioners of the medical laboratory profession to ensure accountability in laboratory service delivery in Ghana.”
Additionally, MELPWU demanded “appropriate administrative action” against several officials, including Board Chairman Prof. Titus Beyuo, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, the Director of Medical Affairs, the HR Director, and Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, whom it accused of actions that “continue to fuel instability and tension within the central laboratory and the institution as whole.”
The union said its strike ultimatum remains active, warning that “our stance remain unchanged.”
“We further urge all parties to exercise restraint, professionalism, and responsibility in public discourse on matters affecting healthcare delivery and public confidence,” the statement added.
MELPWU concluded by assuring the public that Medical Laboratory Scientists remain committed to “delivering accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic services in the interest of patient care.”
