NLC orders KATH doctors to call off strike, summons KADA, Health Minister to June 10 hearing
ACCRA, Ghana
The National Labour Commission, NLC, has ordered the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association, KADA, to call off its declared indefinite strike at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, KATH, with immediate effect.
In a letter dated June 6, 2026, and signed by Dr. Bernice A. Welbeck, Ag. Executive Secretary of the NLC, the commission said KADA’s strike notice violated the Labour Act, 2003, Act 651, and summoned all parties to a hearing on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 2pm.
Labour Law Violations Cited
The NLC stated it had “read in the media” KADA’s declaration of an indefinite strike effective June 6, 2026. KADA had communicated the decision via a letter dated June 5, 2026, to the Chairman of the KATH Board, copied to the Chief of Staff and Minister of Health.
KADA said it was displeased with operational and administrative decisions, including the suspension of KATH’s CEO, and demanded urgent steps to decongest the hospital.
But the NLC ruled the notice was “improperly served because it was not compliant with the relevant provisions of the Labour Law.” “Consequently, the Commission, in exercise of its powers under section 139(d) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651) directs KADA to call off the strike immediately as the action contravenes sections 162 and 163 of Act 651,” the letter directed.
Sections 162 & 163 require 7 days’ written notice to NLC before strike action and compliance with other procedural steps.
Wide Distribution to Stakeholders
The summons was copied to key stakeholders: the Hon. Minister of Health, Director-General of Ghana Health Service, President of Ghana Medical Association, Ashanti Divisional Chairman of GMA, Medical Director and Director of Administration of KATH. The Chief of Staff and Secretary to the President at Jubilee House were also copied.
This signals the government’s direct involvement as the dispute threatens services at Ghana’s second-largest referral hospital.
Strike Threat Over CEO Suspension, Congestion
The industrial action threat followed the suspension of KATH’s CEO. GRNMA-KATH had also announced plans to withdraw services from 8:00am, June 7, 2026, if the suspension was not reversed. KATH serves patients from Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and northern regions. A doctors’ + nurses’ withdrawal would disrupt emergency, surgical, and maternity care.
KADA is yet to publicly state if it will comply with the NLC directive before the June 10 hearing. The Ministry of Health and the KATH Board have not issued statements as of press time.
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