The Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has suspended its strike action, just hours after it began, following assurances from management of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
In a letter dated May 4, 2026, and addressed to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, KODA said the decision was reached after an emergency meeting with management.
“This decision follows a meeting held this morning and the assurances given by management to ensure laboratory physicians return to their place of work,” the statement, signed by KODA Chairman Dr Asare Offei, said.
The Association noted that restoring cooperation between laboratory physicians and medical laboratory scientists at the Central Laboratory is key to maintaining quality healthcare delivery.
KODA has therefore directed its members to resume outpatient services from May 5.
The strike stemmed from a dispute over the alleged exclusion of laboratory physicians from the hospital’s Central Laboratory.
On April 30, the Association petitioned hospital management, demanding the immediate reinstatement of affected doctors and an investigation into reported threats against some members.
KODA warned that the situation posed risks to patient safety and could disrupt healthcare delivery if not resolved.
It also stressed that laboratory physicians—including pathologists, haematologists and microbiologists have long played a critical role in Ghana’s health system, dating back to the 1950s.
The Association further rejected claims that such specialists are a recent addition to the system, insisting their role is internationally recognised and essential for interpreting complex test results.
KODA had accused members of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of blocking access to the facility and overstepping their mandate allegations that heightened tensions prior to the strike.
With the suspension now in effect, attention shifts to how quickly the parties can resolve the dispute and restore normal operations at the hospital.
