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“The disruption is not coming from medical laboratory scientists” – Dr. Solomon Kwarshie

By
Ivy Hollys
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medical laboratory scientists

A growing dispute between doctors and medical laboratory scientists at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is threatening to escalate into a major institutional standoff, with patients already feeling the effects of the ongoing tensions.

The disagreement, reportedly linked to the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy and its possible implementation within hospital laboratories, has intensified friction between the two professional groups. At the center of the issue, however, is a struggle over management, operational control, and leadership of the hospital’s central laboratory.

The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union, known as MELPWU, has issued a seven-day strike ultimatum over what it describes as the unlawful reversal of an agreed leadership appointment at the facility.

The latest development further deepens the conflict within the Central Laboratory and comes after a brief strike action by doctors earlier this week.

In a notice dated May 5, 2026, and issued under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), MELPWU informed the Office of the President, the Ministry of Health, and the National Labour Commission of its intention to embark on a nationwide strike beginning Tuesday, May 12, should its demands remain unresolved.

Speaking in an interview earlier today, Dr. Solomon Kwarshie, general secretary of the Ghana Medical Laboratory Scientists, maintained that medical laboratory science is an independently regulated profession, separate from medicine.

He further argued that the current disruptions are not being caused by the Medical Laboratory Science Association but rather by the Korle Bu Doctors Association and the hospital’s board.

He said, “The disruption is not coming from medical laboratory scientists but rather from the Korle Bu Doctors Association and the board of management to create chaos.”

According to him, there has been a lot of misinformation to create disaffection for the medical laboratory scientists. According to him, all that has been happening is to discredit them. He assured the public, however, that medical laboratory scientists in Ghana are competent and capable and willing to provide quality service to Ghanaians. 

Korle Bu doctors strike “needless” – Wonder Madilo

By
Ivy Hollys
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korle bu teaching hospital doctors strike needless; wonder madilo

Wonder Madilo, a political analyst and development specialist affiliated with the NDC communications team, says although the strike by Korle Bu doctors has been suspended, the 

Madilo argued that no single group within the hospital has ownership over its operations and therefore cannot unilaterally resist policy direction.

“The facility does not belong to doctors. It doesn’t belong to laboratory technicians or scientists… and we need to call them out,” he said.

His comments come amid a heated back-and-forth between medical professionals over the proposed implementation of a 24-hour economy within critical hospital services, including laboratories.

According to Madilo, the resistance by Korle Bu doctors to the 24-hour economy policy is based on a misunderstanding of its intent. He stressed that the policy does not automatically mean compulsory extended working hours for existing staff. He further pointed to ongoing government efforts to strengthen the health workforce, including the recruitment of thousands of nurses, as evidence that expansion plans are being backed by structural support.

“Government is finalizing the recruitment of about 6,000 nurses. That tells you there are plans to support the system,” he added. Madilo also raised ethical concerns about the actions of Korle Bu doctors, especially in relation to the potential consequences for patients.

He criticized what he described as a tendency to resort to strike action instead of engaging authorities through dialogue.

“If you are asked to do something more that will be paid for, and you go on strike and somebody loses their life, should we condone that? I don’t think it’s right,” he said.

Rather than confrontation, Madilo believes the appropriate response from the Korle Bu doctors should have been to seek clarity and engagement with the government on how the 24-hour economy would be implemented.

“The process should have been to engage the government and ask, What are the plans? Then the government explains the rollout,” he suggested. While some stakeholders argue that concerns about workload, compensation, and working conditions are valid, others, like Madilo, maintain that resistance without full engagement undermines both reform efforts and patient care.

Korle Bu Doctors and Lab Scientists in Bitter Row

By
Ivy Hollys
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korle bu teaching hospital doctors strike needless; wonder madilo

A simmering dispute between Korle Bu doctors and laboratory scientists, fueled in part by government’s proposal to run the hospital laboratory on a 24-hour basis, has degenerated into an institutional standoff, with patients bearing the brunt. 

Speaking in an interview, Dr. Bernard Tutu Boahene expressed deep concern about what he described as internal conflict overshadowing the real priorities of healthcare delivery. According to him, the unfolding situation suggests that Korle Bu doctors are increasingly at odds not with the government, but with their own management.

“It is surprising that they are actually not fighting the government. It means government is doing something well, but the management of Korle Bu is doing everything wrong,” he stated.

The ongoing disagreement, reportedly linked to the proposed 24-hour economy and its potential implementation in hospital laboratories, has sparked friction between doctors and laboratory scientists. At the heart of the matter lies a struggle over control, management, and operational timelines within the facility.

Dr. Boahene criticized the situation as lacking both strategic and professional direction. He argued that such disputes should not escalate to the point where patient care is compromised.

“The whole narrative of this argument, who is supposed to take control, who is supposed to manage, who is supposed to use this laboratory, it doesn’t make strategic sense,” he emphasized.

The most troubling aspect of the situation, according to Dr. Boahene, is the potential risk to patients. He warned that actions taken by Korle Bu doctors, particularly if they lead to service disruptions, could have dire consequences for Ghanaians who depend on the facility for critical care.

He questioned the ethics of industrial action in the healthcare sector when lives are at stake.

“If somebody dies, what have you achieved? If you go on strike and people lose their lives because you want to improve your conditions, then you are punishing Ghanaians,” he said.

Calls for Leadership and Accountability

Dr. Boahene placed significant responsibility on the management of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, urging them to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the impasse. He suggested that management explore alternative solutions, including mobilizing internally generated funds, rather than allowing tensions to escalate into full-blown crises.

“There may be more to it than what we are hearing,” he stated. 

ECG Rolls Out 300 Transformers in Ashanti, Pledges Improved Power Stability

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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ECG

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has assured customers in the Ashanti Region of improved electricity supply, announcing a series of upgrades aimed at resolving recent power fluctuations and low voltage challenges.

The intervention, set to take effect from May 6, forms part of a major deployment of 300 new distribution transformers to communities currently experiencing unstable power due to overloaded equipment.

Speaking to Citi News, the Public Relations Officer for ECG’s Ashanti West Region, Benjamin Obeng Antwi, said the company is investing more than GH¢1 billion to strengthen power distribution infrastructure across the region.

According to him, the upgrades are designed to provide immediate relief to households and businesses affected by inconsistent electricity supply.

“We want to assure our customers that there is no need for panic. ECG is undertaking this large-scale upgrade to improve service delivery, and it is part of a broader set of projects,” he said.

Mr Obeng Antwi added that the initiative aligns with the government’s renewed focus on the Ashanti Region, as highlighted in recent briefings by the Energy Ministry and ECG’s leadership.

He further explained that the project includes upgrading conductors to increase network capacity from 265 megawatts to 400 megawatts, a move expected to significantly enhance power stability and distribution efficiency.

The ECG noted that the investment is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the power network, reduce outages, and ensure a more reliable electricity supply across the Ashanti Region.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

REGSEC Launches Demolition at Sakumo Ramsar Site to Tackle Flood Risk

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Sakumo Demolition

A joint task force led by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly has begun a three-day demolition exercise targeting unauthorised structures at the Sakumo Ramsar Site.

The operation, which will commence today, Tuesday, May 5, is aimed at clearing illegal developments within the Golf Course section of the Ramsar site to restore the natural flow of waterways and mitigate the risk of flooding as the rainy season sets in.

Authorities say the proliferation of unapproved buildings on key drainage paths has significantly obstructed water movement, worsening flooding in nearby communities during heavy rains.

Officials emphasised that the exercise is part of a sustained enforcement strategy rather than a one-off intervention. Over the years, multiple warnings, eviction notices, and previous demolition efforts have been undertaken, but encroachment has persisted.

The Sakumo Ramsar Site, recognised internationally for its ecological significance, continues to face pressure from human activities, particularly unregulated construction. Authorities warn that such developments not only degrade the environment but also increase vulnerability to floods, putting lives and property at risk.

Security personnel have been deployed to maintain order throughout the exercise, while affected individuals have been urged to cooperate with officials to prevent confrontations.

The latest action underscores renewed efforts by authorities to enforce planning regulations and safeguard critical wetlands that play a vital role in flood control and environmental protection.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Majority Defends BoG’s GH¢9.6bn Gain as Legitimate

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Atta Issah

The Majority in Parliament has rejected claims by the Minority that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) sold off a substantial portion of its gold reserves to mask financial difficulties, insisting that the reported GH¢9.57 billion gain from gold transactions in 2025 reflects standard reserve management practices.

The Minority had earlier argued that the central bank is “policy insolvent,” claiming it cannot sustain its core monetary operations without resorting to extraordinary interventions. It also alleged that the BoG disposed of up to 50 per cent of its gold holdings to strengthen its financial position artificially.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday, May 3, 2026, Atta Issah, Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu and a member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, dismissed the claims, accusing the Minority of misinterpreting technical financial data and drawing misleading conclusions.

“The characterisation of the GH¢9.6 billion as a falsehood simply because it arises from gold transactions is misleading,” the Majority stated.

According to the caucus, gold transactions are a routine component of central bank operations, as part of broader reserve management strategies. These typically involve adjusting asset holdings — including gold, foreign currencies, and other instruments — to optimise liquidity, safety, and returns.

“Gains from such portfolio management are legitimate income. They are not fake simply because they are not recurring. Non-recurring does not mean illegitimate,” the statement explained.

The Minority had maintained that excluding the one-off gold-related gain would leave the BoG with an operational deficit of about GH¢4 billion, which it cited as evidence of “policy insolvency.”

In response, the Majority argued that such an assessment overlooks how central banks operate, noting that their financial health cannot be judged solely on annual profit and loss figures.

“Central banks are not commercial institutions. Policy solvency is not determined by a single year’s operating income minus expenses. It depends on the overall balance sheet, including reserves, revaluation buffers, and sovereign backing,” the caucus said.

The Majority also rejected suggestions that the BoG had engaged in a forced liquidation of its gold reserves.

“The audited statements do not indicate any distress liquidation. What they show is a measured portfolio adjustment,” it stressed.

Additionally, the caucus pointed to Ghana’s recent policy direction of increasing gold reserves through domestic purchase programmes, arguing that this contradicts claims of depletion driven by financial strain.

It further contextualised the central bank’s actions within ongoing macroeconomic pressures, including debt restructuring, exchange rate volatility, and tightening global financial conditions.

According to the Majority, converting part of the Bank’s gold holdings into liquidity should be seen as a strategic response to these pressures rather than a sign of financial collapse.

“This is not evidence of collapse. It is evidence of management under pressure,” the statement concluded.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Assault on BECE Officials Could Lead to Results Cancellation- WAEC

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
WAEC

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a strong warning to candidates sitting for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), cautioning that any form of assault on examination officials could result in the cancellation of results and a ban from future examinations.

The caution was delivered by WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, during an interview on Channel One News on Sunday, May 3, ahead of the nationwide exams scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4.

According to him, the council is intensifying efforts to curb examination malpractice and enforce discipline, urging candidates to strictly adhere to all rules throughout the examination period.

Mr Kapi emphasised that beyond misconduct such as assaulting invigilators or supervisors, candidates found in possession of prohibited items — particularly mobile phones — will face severe consequences.

“For mobile phone infractions, your entire results will be cancelled. Any candidate who enters the examination hall with a mobile phone risks losing all their results,” he stated.

He further advised candidates to arrive at their examination centres at least 30 minutes before the start of each paper. He stressed that once the official start time is announced, latecomers will not be allowed into the examination hall.

WAEC also warned candidates against bringing unauthorised materials such as prepared notes, smartwatches, and calculators, or attempting to receive external assistance during the exams.

The 2026 BECE is expected to see the participation of 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools across Ghana. The figure includes 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls, marking an increase of 16,813 candidates — representing a 2.7 per cent rise compared to the 603,328 candidates who sat for the examination in 2025.

The council says the strict measures are aimed at preserving the credibility and integrity of the BECE, which plays a crucial role in determining placement into senior high schools nationwide.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Over 620,000 Candidates to Sit for 2026 BECE today

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-
BECE

More than 620,000 candidates across Ghana are sitting for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which begins today, Monday, May 4, with authorities introducing stricter measures to curb examination malpractice.

The nationwide examination, administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), will run until May 11. A total of 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools are expected to participate in this year’s exercise.

WAEC has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, warning candidates to strictly comply with all examination regulations throughout the period. The council stressed that any candidate found engaging in cheating or possessing prohibited materials — including mobile phones — will face severe sanctions.

“Candidates found engaging in any form of malpractice will face severe consequences,” a WAEC official cautioned, underscoring the council’s commitment to maintaining the credibility of the exams.

In addition to malpractice, the council warned against any form of misconduct toward supervisors and invigilators. It noted that acts such as assault, intimidation, or disruption of the examination process could attract serious disciplinary action.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ernest Kofi Davis, disclosed that officials linked to previous malpractice cases have been excluded from this year’s examination process.

“All supervisors and invigilators under investigation for their alleged involvement in last year’s BECE have been barred from participating,” he stated.

The tightened measures form part of broader efforts by education authorities to safeguard the integrity of the BECE, a critical national examination that determines students’ placement into senior high schools across the country.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

BoG’s GH¢93.8bn Negative Equity a “Fiscal Warning Light” — Abena Osei-Asare

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Abena Osei-Asare

Former Deputy Finance Minister and Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Abena Osei-Asare, has raised alarm over the deteriorating financial position of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), warning that its mounting losses and deepening negative equity could ultimately shift the burden onto taxpayers.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, May 3, 2026, reacting to the Bank’s 2025 audited financial statements, the Atiwa East MP highlighted a sharp decline in the central bank’s balance sheet. According to her, BoG’s negative equity worsened significantly from GH¢58.62 billion in 2024 to GH¢93.82 billion in 2025, while its annual loss increased from GH¢9.49 billion to GH¢15.63 billion.

Although the central bank continues to operate, she cautioned against treating the situation as merely an accounting issue. She noted that the government has already committed to restoring the Bank’s capital, making the matter a broader public finance concern.

Citing disclosures in the Bank’s financial statements, Abena Osei-Asare pointed out that the government is expected to implement a phased recapitalisation programme between 2026 and 2032.

“The BoG’s own 2025 accounts acknowledge Government’s obligation to restore the capital base through a phased recapitalisation programme,” she stated.

She warned that the implications of this commitment could extend beyond the central bank, potentially affecting the country’s fiscal stability.

“That means today’s(BoG’s) losses become tomorrow’s taxpayer cost, debt instrument, or fiscal trade-off,” she added.

Describing the GH¢93.82 billion negative equity as a “fiscal warning light,” Osei-Asare stressed that the issue should concern not only policymakers but also ordinary citizens who may ultimately bear the cost.

“A functioning central bank with such a large negative equity position remains a public finance problem, regardless of its operational continuity,” she said.

She further called for full transparency regarding the government’s recapitalisation plan, urging authorities to publish details of any memorandum of understanding, bond issuances, cash injections, or potential write-offs tied to restoring the Bank’s capital.

In addition, she urged key parliamentary committees — including Finance, Economy, and Public Accounts — to summon the BoG Governor, the Finance Minister, external auditors, and relevant officials for urgent briefings.

According to her, any effort to recapitalise the central bank using public resources must be subjected to strict parliamentary scrutiny and transparent fiscal reporting.

“The public is entitled to know who is responsible, on what terms, and at what cost to the taxpayer,” she emphasised.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

Ghana’s Job Market Stagnates Despite Economic Recovery – BoG

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Unemployment in Ghana

Ghana’s labour market continues to face significant pressure, with fresh data indicating that recent improvements in the broader economy have not yet translated into meaningful job creation.

According to the March 2026 Monetary Policy Report by the Bank of Ghana, advertised job vacancies—a key indicator of labour demand—declined by 4.9 per cent year-on-year to 3,244 in February 2026, compared to 3,411 recorded in the same month in 2025.

Although the drop appears modest, it underscores ongoing caution among businesses, many of which remain reluctant to expand their workforce despite easing inflation and improving macroeconomic conditions.

On a month-on-month basis, job vacancies also edged down by 1.0 percent from 3,276 in January 2026, signalling weak hiring momentum at the start of the year.

Cumulatively, total advertised vacancies for January and February 2026 reached 6,520, only slightly higher than the 6,465 recorded during the same period in 2025. This near-flat performance points to a labour market that is largely stagnant rather than growing.

The data highlights a key disconnect in Ghana’s economic recovery. While indicators such as inflation and exchange rate stability have shown signs of improvement, businesses appear focused on consolidation rather than expansion. Many firms are prioritising cost control, operational efficiency, and cautious growth strategies instead of increasing headcount.

As a result, unemployment risks are likely to persist in the near term, particularly for young people and new entrants into the labour market. Analysts suggest that stronger private sector expansion and targeted job creation policies will be necessary to stimulate hiring.

Overall, while Ghana’s macroeconomic environment is gradually stabilising, the labour market remains under strain—emphasising the ongoing challenge of translating economic recovery into broad-based and inclusive growth.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang

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