Laboratory Scientists give gov’t 2-week ultimatum to grant clearance for employment or …
The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has issued a stern two-week ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate clearance for the employment of qualified but unemployed laboratory professionals. Failure to act, they warn, will result in a nationwide industrial action.
Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has issued a strong two-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance, demanding that the government grant financial clearance for the immediate recruitment of over 1,200 qualified but unemployed laboratory scientists across the country.
In a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, the association expressed deep frustration over what they described as the government’s “consistent neglect” of the critical role laboratory scientists play in Ghana’s healthcare delivery system.
“We can no longer remain silent while trained professionals continue to sit at home despite the overwhelming workload in our laboratories,” said Dr. Dennis Adu-Gyamfi, the President of GAMLS. “If the government fails to respond within the next 14 days, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services nationwide.”
Rising Pressure on the System
Laboratory scientists are essential for accurate diagnostics, disease surveillance, and public health interventions. However, hospitals across the country continue to operate with limited lab staff, placing immense pressure on already strained healthcare facilities.
“We are dealing with burnout and avoidable delays in testing because there are simply not enough hands. This is not just about jobs—it’s about saving lives,” noted a senior lab technician at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
A Long-Standing Demand
The issue of employment clearance has been on the table for years, with dozens of graduates from medical laboratory schools unable to find work in public hospitals due to a lack of government authorization to hire them.
The group insists that they have petitioned all relevant authorities, but their appeals have gone unanswered.
Government Yet to Respond
As of this report, neither the Ministry of Health nor the Ministry of Finance has issued a formal response. However, sources within the health sector say internal discussions are ongoing.
Health policy analysts warn that if the strike goes ahead, it could cripple diagnostic services, delay treatment plans, and worsen outcomes for thousands of patients across Ghana.
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