The Ministry of Health (MoH) has established a Technical Review Committee to address ongoing labor and operational disagreements concerning laboratory services at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). This action follows a significant meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, involving MoH leadership, KBTH management, the Medical Laboratory Professionals Workers’ Union (MELPWU)-KBTH Chapter, and the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Doctors Association (KODA).
Committee Mandate and Composition
The committee’s primary objective, as outlined in an official communication signed by MoH Chief Director Desmond Boateng, is to facilitate an “amicable, objective, and sustainable resolution” to issues impacting the governance and operation of KBTH’s laboratory services. The Ministry has tasked the four-member committee with conducting a thorough technical and administrative review of matters related to professional collaboration, operational coordination, and management structures within the laboratory system.
Chaired by Alhaji Dr (Pharm) Inua I. Yusuf, Head of Legal at the Ministry of Health, the committee includes Zanu Dassah, Deputy Director of Human Resource Development (Training Unit) at the Ghana Health Service; Isaac Maalma-Kaminta, Deputy Chief Labour Officer from the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment; and John Kudjo Ntedado, who will serve as secretary.
The MoH expressed confidence in the committee’s expertise, emphasizing the critical nature of their assignment in restoring harmony and ensuring effective service delivery across the hospital’s laboratory units.
Background to the Dispute
This intervention arises amid escalating tensions between laboratory professionals and other key hospital stakeholders. The disagreements, which have led to labor disputes in recent weeks, reportedly stem from issues concerning governance arrangements, the definition of professional roles, operational control, and inter-professional collaboration within the complex laboratory ecosystem at KBTH.
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is Ghana’s largest teaching hospital, playing a vital role in tertiary healthcare, specialist referrals, medical training, and research. The Ministry’s involvement is viewed as a crucial step to prevent further disruption at this nationally significant institution.
Stakeholder Engagement and Future Outlook
The newly formed committee is directed to engage with all relevant stakeholders as a core part of its review process. Their recommendations are expected to pave the way for long-term stability and enhanced coordination within the KBTH laboratory services structure.
Copies of the Ministry’s directive were distributed to high-level officials, including the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health, the Director of Human Resource Development at the MoH, the CEO of KBTH, the General Secretary of MELPWU, and the Chairman of KODA-KBTH, ensuring broad awareness and facilitating cooperation.
The formation of this committee signals the Ministry of Health’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the laboratory dispute. The coming weeks will be critical as the committee begins its work, engaging stakeholders and gathering information to propose solutions. The outcome of their review is anticipated to have significant implications for laboratory service management not only at KBTH but potentially as a model for other major healthcare facilities facing similar challenges in professional coordination and operational efficiency.
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