MELPWU Presses for Resolution as Korle-Bu Lab Leadership Dispute Enters Critical Week

The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union [MELPWU] has reiterated its demand for immediate changes to the leadership and administrative structure of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital [KBTH] Central Medical Laboratory, as stakeholders await the final report of a Technical Review Committee due on 18 May 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday, 15 May, the Union confirmed it had received communication from the Ministry of Health postponing a previously scheduled review meeting. MELPWU has proposed Tuesday, 19 May 2026 for the next stakeholder engagement, once the Committee submits its findings for consideration.

The dispute centers on what the Union describes as “prolonged uncertainty” over governance and management arrangements at Korle-Bu’s Central Medical Laboratory, Ghana’s premier referral facility. At stake, according to MELPWU, are patient care standards, professional governance, staff morale, and the credibility of laboratory services at the hospital.

Four non-negotiable demands

The Union outlined four demands it says are “unequivocal and non-negotiable”:

First, MELPWU is calling for the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Michael Amo Omari, a duly appointed Medical Laboratory Scientist whose appointment as Head of Laboratory Services, Sub-BMC at KBTH was revoked. The Union describes the revocation as “unjustifiable and improper.”

Second, it wants disciplinary action against Dr. Asare Offei over what it calls “reckless and disparaging public comments” regarding laboratory results generated by the Central Laboratory. MELPWU argues the comments have undermined professional credibility and public confidence, particularly since no retraction or apology has been issued.

Third, the Union demands the reversal of all “unapproved and irregular alterations” to the leadership structure, organogram, administrative hierarchy, and reporting lines governing the Medical Laboratory Service at KBTH.

Fourth, MELPWU is calling for the immediate termination of the interim administrative arrangement currently in place, noting that its mandate expired on 12 May 2026. The Union warns that allowing it to continue undermines accreditation standards, professional governance, technical supervision, quality management systems, and staff morale.

“The continued existence [of the interim arrangement] is illegitimate and poses a serious threat to institutional stability within the highly specialized Medical Laboratory Service,” the statement said.

Union insists issues are professional, not personal

MELPWU stressed that the dispute is not personal or political, but rooted in professional, administrative, and policy concerns affecting laboratory services and the welfare of professionals.

The Union said its concerns center on respect for due process and institutional fairness; protection of professional integrity and established administrative structures; clarity and transparency in decisions affecting laboratory services; appropriate recognition and placement of medical laboratory professionals in healthcare leadership; and the preservation of industrial harmony.

The Union also sought to correct what it described as misleading public narratives. It stated that medical laboratory scientists at KBTH have not denied physicians access to the laboratory, have not threatened or physically obstructed any physician, and continue to collaborate professionally with doctors in patient care, research, and training.

MELPWU further emphasized that Medical Laboratory Science is a regulated profession under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 [Act 857], with defined scope, licensing requirements, ethical obligations, and accountability systems.

Ministry and NLC interventions acknowledged

While appreciating the role of the Ministry of Health and the National Labour Commission [NLC] in facilitating stakeholder engagements, the Union expressed concern over the extension of the interim leadership arrangement beyond its stated expiry date.

MELPWU said its actions throughout the process have been “lawful, measured, and guided by the principles of professionalism, social dialogue, and responsible trade unionism.” It also criticized what it called “unfortunate public comments, misleading narratives, and attempts to trivialize or misrepresent” the concerns of medical laboratory scientists by some physicians.

“While we respect the right to differing opinions, we urge all parties and commentators to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory commentary, and allow the established institutional mechanisms to function without unnecessary public distortion of facts or intimidation,” the Union stated.

Next steps

The Technical Review Committee is expected to submit its final report on 18 May 2026. MELPWU has proposed 19 May for the reconvening of stakeholder talks, signaling that the coming week could be decisive for the future management of the laboratory.

The Union assured members and the public that it would continue to pursue the matter with “utmost responsibility, firmness, and respect for institutional processes,” while safeguarding the dignity, professional autonomy, and future of medical laboratory services in Ghana.

Members were urged to remain calm, professional, vigilant, and united as leadership continues engagements.

The statement, signed by General Secretary Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, ended with two proverbs: “The man who knows his right does not bow to intimidation” and “What belongs to the leopard cannot be taken by noise from monkeys.”

The outcome of the Technical Review Committee’s report and the proposed 19 May meeting will determine whether the standoff at Korle-Bu de-escalates or moves toward further industrial action.