Doctors at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital have announced plans to embark on an industrial action from May 4, 2026, following what they describe as prolonged unresolved operational and policy challenges.

The decision, confirmed by the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), comes after a series of engagements with hospital management failed to yield what the group considers meaningful progress.

Breakdown in Engagement

Speaking to the press, KODA Secretary Dr Joojo Nyamekye-Baidoo said the strike action is a last resort after repeated discussions and formal correspondence produced no resolution.

“We have engaged management extensively, but the response has not been in good faith. At this point, strike action is the only option available to us,” he stated.

Core Issue: Laboratory Access and Training

At the centre of the dispute is the continued exclusion of Laboratory Physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory.

According to KODA:

• Doctors and trainees have been denied access to the facility for years
• The situation is affecting clinical service delivery
• Specialist training programmes have been significantly disrupted

The association further alleges that concerns about threats against its members have contributed to their absence from the facility.

Impact on Service Delivery

The current arrangement, KODA says, has created operational inefficiencies within the hospital system.

Despite having a central laboratory, the hospital reportedly continues to rely on external facilities, including the University of Ghana Medical School, for key diagnostic services.

Phased Strike Plan

The industrial action is expected to be implemented in phases:

• Initial withdrawal of outpatient services
• Possible escalation to emergency and inpatient care if issues remain unresolved

KODA also indicated that the action has the backing of the Ghana Medical Association, signalling broader support within the medical community.

Key Demands

The association is calling for:

• Immediate reinstatement of Laboratory Physicians and trainees into the Central Laboratory
• Full and unrestricted access to clinical systems
• Appointment of qualified leadership based on merit within laboratory departments
• Independent verification of specialised test results
• A formal investigation into alleged threats against members

Concerns Over New Policy Proposal

KODA has also pushed back against a proposed 24-hour specialist outpatient service policy, arguing that:

• Current systems already provide adequate coverage
• Expanding services without additional staffing risks overburdening personnel and compromising patient care

Rising Tensions in a Critical Sector

The planned strike raises concerns about potential disruptions at Ghana’s premier referral facility, particularly if the action escalates beyond outpatient services.

With both sides yet to reach a compromise, attention now turns to whether last-minute negotiations can avert a full-scale shutdown of services.