By Sarah Baafi
Doctors at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital have announced plans to embark on industrial action starting May 4, 2026, citing unresolved operational and policy concerns with hospital management.
The Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) says the decision follows a series of unsuccessful engagements with hospital authorities.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, the Secretary of KODA, Joojo Nyamekye-Baidoo, said the decision was taken as a last resort after repeated meetings and correspondence failed to produce solutions.
He explained that a major concern is the exclusion of laboratory physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory, a situation KODA says has affected both clinical service delivery and the training of specialist doctors.
The association also claims its members have been denied access to the facility for an extended period, with some reporting intimidation.
According to KODA, the current arrangement has forced the hospital to rely on external facilities, including the University of Ghana Medical School, for certain diagnostic services.
The planned strike will begin in phases, starting with outpatient services. The association warns that if the issues remain unresolved, the action could escalate to affect emergency and inpatient care.
KODA is demanding the immediate reinstatement of laboratory physicians and trainees into the Central Laboratory, unrestricted access to clinical systems, and merit-based leadership appointments within laboratory departments.
It is also calling for independent validation of specialised test results and an investigation into alleged threats against its members.
The association has also rejected a proposed 24-hour specialist outpatient service policy, arguing that existing services already meet demand and cautioning that expansion without adequate staffing could overstretch personnel and compromise patient care.
The Ghana Medical Association is reported to have expressed support for the planned industrial action.
