Korle Bu doctors to strike from May 4 after talks with management break down
The Korle Bu Doctors Association says the decision was not taken lightly, but followed repeated meetings and written engagements that did not produce meaningful results.
.jpg)
Doctors at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital are set to begin an industrial action from 4 May 2026 after negotiations with hospital management failed to resolve a dispute the doctors say has dragged on for years.
The Korle Bu Doctors Association says the decision was not taken lightly, but followed repeated meetings and written engagements that did not produce meaningful results.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, 30 April, KODA Secretary Dr Joojo Nyamekye-Baidoo said the association had exhausted dialogue and no longer believed management was responding in good faith.
At the centre of the dispute is the Central Laboratory, where KODA says Laboratory Physicians have been excluded from work for a prolonged period. According to the association, that exclusion has affected both patient care and the training of specialists.
It says the problem has gone beyond administrative disagreement, alleging that some doctors have even been kept away under a climate of intimidation.
KODA also argues that the situation has weakened the hospital’s operations, since Korle Bu continues to depend on external facilities, including the University of Ghana Medical School laboratory, for some diagnostic work.
The strike is expected to begin in stages. The first phase will affect outpatient services, but the association says the action could be expanded to emergency and inpatient care if the issues remain unresolved.
The doctors say they have the support of the Ghana Medical Association.
Among the demands being pressed are the immediate return of Laboratory Physicians and trainees to the Central Laboratory, full access to clinical systems, leadership appointments based on merit within laboratory units, independent confirmation of specialised test results, and an investigation into alleged threats against members.
KODA is also rejecting a proposal for a 24-hour specialist outpatient service. The association says such a move is unnecessary under present conditions and warns that extending services without increasing staffing levels could place more strain on doctors and ultimately affect patient care.
