The Medical Laboratory Professionals Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has issued a strong statement addressing the ongoing tensions at the Korle-Bu Central Laboratory, following public remarks that questioned the reliability of diagnostic results produced at the facility within the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
The controversy was triggered by comments attributed to Dr. Asare Offei, Chairman of the Korle-Bu Doctors Association, during a media engagement, where he reportedly suggested that some laboratory results “do not make sense” and “cannot be trusted,” remarks MELPWU says have caused public anxiety and undermined confidence in healthcare delivery.
In its statement, MELPWU strongly rejected the claims, insisting that the Central Laboratory is scientifically sound, internationally accredited, and staffed by highly qualified professionals operating under strict global standards, including ISO 15189:2022.
The Union stressed that diagnostic accuracy is not subjective or dependent on individual professional opinions, but is instead ensured through validated scientific procedures, quality control systems, and the competence of Medical Laboratory Scientists who operate within established clinical frameworks.
MELPWU further noted that Management of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has already affirmed the credibility of the Central Laboratory, reinforcing that test results produced there are reliable, scientifically valid, and meet internationally accepted standards.
Despite this reassurance, the Union maintained that the underlying administrative dispute remains unresolved, citing the alleged unlawful removal of the Head of Department, Dr. Michael Amo-Omari, and what it describes as irregular structural changes within the laboratory system.
MELPWU also raised concerns over what it termed attempts to undermine the autonomy and leadership of Medical Laboratory Scientists, warning that such actions risk destabilizing critical diagnostic services within the hospital.
The Union disclosed that the Ministry of Health has constituted a three-member technical review committee, following official communication dated 5th May, 2026 (Reference: LE/43/223/01), to facilitate dialogue and seek an amicable resolution to the impasse.
Reiterating its position, MELPWU demanded the immediate reinstatement of Dr. Michael Amo-Omari, the establishment of a clear leadership structure for laboratory services, and a defined regulatory framework for the profession, while also calling for administrative scrutiny of several senior officials it accuses of contributing to the tensions.
The Union emphasized that its strike ultimatum remains in force, even as it urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint, professionalism, and responsibility in public commentary to safeguard public confidence in healthcare services.
MELPWU concluded by reaffirming its commitment to patient care, stating that Medical Laboratory Scientists remain dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic services despite the ongoing industrial dispute.
Read the official statement below!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7TH MAY, 2026
PRESS RELEASE ON KORLE BU CENTRAL LABORATORY IMPASSE
Over the past few days, the public domain has been inundated with reports concerning a misunderstanding between Management/physicians and Medical Laboratory Scientists at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, including disturbing comments made by Dr. Asare Offei, Chairman of the Korle-Bu Doctors Association, during a media interview suggesting that results generated by the Central Laboratory “do not make sense” and “cannot be trusted.”
These statements caused anxiety among patients, undermined confidence in healthcare delivery, and unfairly attacked the integrity of Medical Laboratory Scientists at the Central Laboratory and beyond.
The Union noted the public statement issued by Management of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital affirming that:
The Central Laboratory is scientifically sound and internationally accredited;
The laboratory is staffed by highly qualified professionals; and
Results generated by the laboratory are valid, reliable, scientifically accurate, and produced in accordance with internationally accepted standards, including ISO 15189:2022.
The Union reiterated that laboratory result accuracy is driven by scientific systems, quality standards, validated procedures, and competent professionals — not by the signatures or professional titles of a physician, as the public was being made to believe.
Medical Laboratory Scientists, according to the statement, remain committed to providing accurate, reliable, and timely diagnostic services in the interest of patient care and public safety.
While the clarification restores public confidence in laboratory services, the Union stated that the fundamental issues leading to the ongoing impasse remain unresolved, including:
The unlawful removal of the Head of Department (Medical Laboratory Scientist);
The imposition of irregular administrative structures within the Central Laboratory; and
Attempts to undermine the autonomy and leadership of Medical Laboratory Scientists.
The Union disclosed that it had officially been informed through a letter dated 5th May, 2026, with reference number LE/43/223/01, that the Ministry of Health has constituted a Three-Member Technical Review Committee to facilitate an amicable, objective, and sustainable resolution of the matter.
Accordingly, the Union reiterated the following demands:
Immediate reinstatement of the duly appointed Head of Department, Dr. Michael Amo-Omari, who has been unjustifiably removed from his role;
Establishment of a clear leadership structure for laboratory services and a separate regulatory framework to coordinate activities of practitioners in the medical laboratory profession; and
Appropriate administrative action to address the alleged conflict of interest, bias, and conduct of Prof. Titus Beyuo, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, the Director of Medical Affairs, the HR Director, and Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere, whose actions the Union claims continue to fuel instability and tension within the Central Laboratory and the institution as a whole.
The Union maintained that its strike ultimatum remains in force as its stance on the matter remains unchanged. It further urged all parties to exercise restraint, professionalism, and responsibility in public discussions affecting healthcare delivery and public confidence.
The statement concluded by assuring the general public that Medical Laboratory Scientists remain committed to delivering accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic services in the interest of patient care.
Signed:Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, General Secretary, for and on behalf of MELPWU!
