The National Labour Commission (NLC) has ordered doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) to immediately suspend their planned indefinite strike action.
According to the Commission, the notice issued by the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) did not follow the procedures required under Ghana’s labour laws.
In a summons dated June 6, 2026, the NLC stated that it became aware through media reports that KADA intended to begin an indefinite strike on the same day.
The doctors had informed the KATH Board on June 5, 2026, of their decision to withdraw services.
Their action was linked to concerns over overcrowding at the hospital’s Emergency Department and the suspension of the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.
After reviewing the notice, the Commission concluded that it failed to comply with the relevant provisions of the Labour Act.
The NLC noted that the declaration breached Sections 162 and 163 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
“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,” the NLC said in a letter signed by its Acting Executive Secretary, Dr. Bernice A. Welbeck.
The Commission has also summoned representatives of both parties to appear before it on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. to discuss and hear the issues at the centre of the dispute.
KADA has been demanding the reinstatement of the suspended CEO and the introduction of clearer measures to deal with persistent patient overcrowding at the facility.
The association believes stronger policies are needed to improve the management of emergency cases and ease pressure on healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, the KATH branch of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives’ Association had also threatened to join the industrial action from June 7 if authorities failed to reverse the CEO’s suspension.
As of the time of the directive, the Ministry of Health had not publicly responded to the Commission’s decision.
KATH remains one of the country’s most important healthcare facilities and serves as the main referral hospital for patients across the middle and northern parts of Ghana.
