MELPWU demands immediate release of lab scientist

The Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of one of its members, Isaac Sakyi, a Medical Laboratory Scientist at St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital in Hwidiem, who was allegedly assaulted and arrested by military personnel during a joint security operation in the early hours of Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

According to accounts from the hospital, Sakyi, who had just closed from his night shift and was making a phone call at the hospital’s entrance, was reportedly accosted by military officers, assaulted, and taken away without explanation.

A follow-up visit by colleagues and union representatives to the Hwidiem Police Station revealed that Sakyi had been transferred to Tepa under unclear circumstances.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Cephas Kofi Akortor, MELPWU described the arrest as an abuse of power and a violation of the fundamental rights of a professional who was merely performing his duties. The Union said the incident was “an affront to the dignity of all law-abiding professionals” and demanded Sakyi’s immediate release.

While acknowledging the ongoing joint military and police anti-galamsey operations across parts of the Ashanti, Ahafo, and Volta Regions, MELPWU insisted that law enforcement must act within the confines of the law and protect the rights of innocent citizens.

The Union warned that arbitrary arrests and acts of intimidation could undermine public trust in the security services and jeopardise the legitimacy of national security operations. It urged the Minister for Defence, the Minister for the Interior, and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene and ensure that those responsible for Sakyi’s alleged assault and detention are held accountable.

Watch videos from joint army, police raid of Hwediem, Dadwene, others

MELPWU further called on the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to adopt more professional, intelligence-led approaches in their operations to prevent harm to civilians uninvolved in illegal activities.

The statement cautioned that if Sakyi is not released “within the shortest possible time,” the Union would be compelled to “advise itself” on the next course of action in defence of its members’ rights and safety.

MELPWU reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, justice, and civility, urging authorities to ensure that innocent professionals are not made victims of excessive force during security operations.

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