Doctors in Ghana’s largest hospital threaten strike on May 2nd over service disputes

• Doctors at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital have threatened a strike from May 2 over unresolved operational disputes.

• The issues include restricted access to the Central Laboratory and concerns over proposed 24-hour outpatient services.

• The doctors warn the strike could disrupt healthcare delivery if their demands are not met by April 30.

Doctors at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital have warned of a possible strike from May 2, 2026, if their concerns over laboratory operations and proposed outpatient service reforms are not resolved by Thursday, April 30.

The Korle-Bu Doctors Association (KODA) says its members will withdraw services if hospital management fails to address what it describes as “serious threats” to patient safety and professional standards.

The issues raised relate mainly to access to the hospital’s Central Laboratory and the planned introduction of 24-hour specialist outpatient services.

ALSO READ: Pentecost church elder arrested as galamsey supervisor in Ashanti Region

KODA has accused members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of restricting Laboratory Physicians’ access to the Central Laboratory and attempting to control who is allowed to work there.

It described the situation as unacceptable, alleging that some doctors have been barred from working and, in some cases, threatened.

The Association is demanding the immediate reinstatement of all Laboratory Physicians and trainee doctors into the Central Laboratory by April 30.

ALSO READ: ECG releases power outage schedule for today, April 30 – See affected areas

It also insists that leadership roles within laboratory departments should be based strictly on professional merit and institutional criteria, not union influence.

It further wants all specialised laboratory results reviewed and validated by qualified Laboratory Physicians before release, as well as unrestricted access to laboratory systems and equipment for clinical and academic work.

KODA is also calling for investigations into reported threats against its members and appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.

ALSO READ: How to register your child for a Ghana card: A step-by-step guide

On the proposed 24-hour outpatient service, KODA has strongly objected, arguing that Korle-Bu already operates a 24-hour outpatient facility through the Polyclinic.

It warned that expanding similar services across departments without adequate staffing and funding could strain personnel and affect patient care.

The statement said:

ALSO READ: Top 10 countries in Africa with the best governments: 2026 rankings

The Association has therefore called for the withdrawal of the directive pending further consultation and a clear policy framework. It also urged management to prioritise improving efficiency within existing outpatient services.

ALSO READ: ECG announces power outages in Accra West, Ashanti and Eastern Regions on April 29 – See affected areas

KODA warned that failure to meet its demands by the deadline will trigger a full withdrawal of services from May 2, citing the need to protect patient safety and uphold professional standards.