“No HoD, No Work!” – Over 300 Laboratory Scientists Protest at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

By Efua Nessa

Tensions are rising at the Central Laboratory of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, with the possibility of a shutdown on Thursday, May 7, following a dispute over the removal of a senior official. Over 300 laboratory scientists staged a protest on May 6, demanding the immediate reinstatement of their Head of Unit, whom they claim was unfairly dismissed.

The demonstration disrupted routine services, leaving patients stranded and frustrated over the lack of communication. The protesting staff argue that replacing their head with a medical doctor undermines the professional expertise of laboratory scientists, insisting that leadership roles in laboratory units should be reserved for qualified lab professionals.

Originally, the group planned a full strike on May 12 but chose to begin with a picketing exercise to press their demands. Local union chairman John Nakoja emphasized the operational difficulties 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 explained.

Patients arriving at the lab were left waiting for hours. “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 protesters later marched to the hospital’s administration block, warning they would not resume work unless their colleague is reinstated. Despite union leaders’ efforts to calm tensions, the standoff continues.

“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 expressed concern. Vice President Dr. Amartey Armah criticized appointing a medical doctor to head the unit, stressing that laboratory professionals have the training and experience 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, warning that failure to resolve the dispute could disrupt the hospital’s otherwise stable operations.

With both sides holding firm, uncertainty now looms over the continued functioning of one of Ghana’s leading medical laboratories.