Concerns Raised Over Exclusionary Practices in Ghana’s Health Laboratory Regulation: A Call for Reform of Act 857

A pressing issue concerning the regulation of health laboratory practice in Ghana has been brought to light by Mr. Ampong Samuel Kwame, a concerned student and aspiring national executive of the Ghana Health and Biomedical Students’ Association (GHABSA). In a formal petition addressed to the Minister of Health, Mr. Kwame outlines critical concerns surrounding the implementation of the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857), particularly by the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC).

The letter follows a meeting held on February 26, 2020, between the AHPC and the Medical Scientists Society of Ghana (MSSG), aimed at discussing the registration process for biomedical and clinical scientists. According to Mr. Kwame, the AHPC’s current practices are severely undermining the rights of highly trained biomedical professionals and deviating from international norms.

Key Issues Raised:

• Exclusion from Licensure Exams: The AHPC is reportedly excluding biomedical and clinical scientists from licensing examinations, which effectively denies qualified professionals the opportunity to practice. This, Mr. Kwame argues, is contrary to international best practices and could severely impact the quality of healthcare delivery in the country.
• Restrictive Interpretation of Act 857: The AHPC is said to be enforcing Part I of Act 857 in a way that prevents graduates with diverse scientific backgrounds—such as biochemistry, molecular biology, clinical immunology, and laboratory medicine—from obtaining licenses. This approach threatens to derail the progress of health science and innovation in Ghana.
• Policy Implementation Delays: Though the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have made strides in drafting key policy documents to strengthen the National Health Laboratory System—including a National Health Laboratory Policy, Accreditation Policy, and Strategic Plan—their implementation has been delayed. This delay is attributed to resistance from stakeholders who were not adequately consulted, raising fears that these policies may be misaligned with global standards.

Call to Action:

Mr. Kwame urges the Ministry of Health to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder approach to resolve these issues. He emphasizes the importance of aligning national regulatory frameworks with international standards to ensure that Ghana remains competitive in the health sector while safeguarding the future of laboratory science and medical research.

Conclusion:

This letter serves as a timely reminder of the need for inclusive governance and evidence-based policy-making in the health sector. If the concerns raised are not addressed promptly, Ghana risks stalling its progress in health innovation and weakening its healthcare system. Mr. Kwame’s appeal is both a defense of scientific professionalism and a plea for systemic reform that reflects the diverse expertise needed in modern healthcare.

Ampong Samuel Kwame
General Secretary, GHABSA CKT-UTAS
Aspirant, GHABSA National Secretary
(0591857752)