The National Labour Commission (NLC) has directed the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association (KADA) to immediately call off its indefinite strike, declaring the industrial action unlawful under Ghana’s labour laws.
The directive follows KADA’s announcement of an indefinite strike action effective June 6, 2026, over what it described as operational and administrative concerns at the hospital.
The indefinite withdrawal of services is in protest against the Minister of Health’s directive to suspend the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo.
The doctors said the minister’s action, directing the hospital’s Board to suspend the CEO, Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo, for two weeks, was unjustified and detrimental to efforts aimed at safeguarding patient care.
Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo’s suspension letter from the minister, dated June 5, 2026, and addressed to the Board Chairman of KATH, did not indicate whether the two-week suspension was without pay.
The Head of Public Affairs at KATH, Kwame Frimpong, is also to be investigated by the board per the minister’s directive, for granting a media interview to explain KATH management’s decision on emergency admissions.
The National Labour Commission said in a statement that it had become aware of the strike through media reports and a notice dated June 5, 2026, which was addressed to the Chairman of the Board of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and copied to several key government officials, including the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Health.
According to the Commission, KADA’s notice did not comply with the procedures required under the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
“KADA is advised that the notice was improperly served because it was not compliant with the relevant provisions of the Labour Law,” the statement noted.
The Commission further stated that the doctors’ action contravenes Sections 162 and 163 of the Labour Act and has therefore invoked its statutory powers to halt the strike.
“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 statement said.
To address the dispute, the NLC has summoned both parties to appear before it for a hearing next week.
“The parties are hereby summoned to appear before the Commission on Wednesday, 10 June, 2026 at 2pm for a hearing of the issues in dispute,” the Commission directed.
