The Federation of Ghana Medical Laboratory Students’ Associations (FG-MELSA) has formally petitioned the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) to urgently review the fees, registration deadline and laboratory coat requirement announced for the 2026 induction and oath-swearing ceremonies.
In the petition, the umbrella body for medical laboratory student associations across training institutions says the arrangements could place avoidable financial and administrative burdens on newly qualified graduates at a critical stage of their careers. It is asking the Council to reduce the fees, extend the registration and payment deadline by at least two to three weeks, and allow graduates to use laboratory coats they already own.
FG-MELSA stressed that its appeal is not meant to challenge the Council’s authority. The Federation said it recognises and respects the AHPC’s mandate to regulate allied health professionals and uphold professional standards, and that it values induction as a significant milestone for new graduates.
Its concern, the petition explains, is the combined effect of the announced fees, the limited registration period and the laboratory coat requirement. The Federation wants the Council to protect professional standards while taking account of the circumstances of those about to enter the profession.
The Council has set the induction fee at GH¢500 for first-degree graduates, GH¢450 for diploma graduates and GH¢650 for graduates of six-year professional programmes.
FG-MELSA argues that for many graduates, completing their education has meant years of sacrifice, financial commitment and support from families and loved ones. Some are still working to settle educational expenses and other basic obligations, and the Federation says introducing substantial fees at short notice may deepen their hardship just as they begin their careers.
“Introducing substantial induction fees at short notice may therefore create additional hardship for graduates who are eager to begin their professional careers.”
Federation of Ghana Medical Laboratory Students’ Associations (FG-MELSA)
The Federation is asking the Council to review the fees and reduce them where feasible. It has also requested greater clarity on the basis for the charges, saying openness would help graduates understand the financial commitments required of them.
Short Notice, Narrow Window
The second concern is time. According to the petition, the notice was issued on October 8, 2026, and the registration portal opened the following day, October 9. That leaves graduates very little time to raise funds and complete registration.
FG-MELSA acknowledged the administrative demands of organising a national induction ceremony. It argued, however, that the short notice poses a genuine challenge for graduates who need more time to secure financial support, particularly those whose families are already under considerable financial pressure.
The Federation is therefore requesting that the registration and payment deadline be extended by at least two to three weeks. In its view, a longer window would give eligible graduates a reasonable opportunity to complete the process and prevent financial circumstances or short notice from unfairly affecting their participation in the ceremony.
Laboratory Coat Requirement
The third issue is the requirement for graduates to buy laboratory coats for the induction. FG-MELSA asked the Council to reconsider any rule that obliges graduates to purchase new coats specifically for the ceremony.
Many graduates, it noted, already own suitable coats acquired through their training institutions. Requiring them to buy another, where the existing one meets the prescribed professional standards, would impose an unnecessary expense.
The Federation proposed that graduates be allowed to wear compliant coats obtained from their training institutions or from other approved suppliers. Where the Council considers a new coat necessary, it said, it would welcome a statement of the specific requirements and consideration of more affordable options.
“Professional identity, dignity, and standards can be upheld without imposing avoidable additional costs on newly qualified graduates.”
Federation of Ghana Medical Laboratory Students’ Associations (FG-MELSA)
Appeal for Dialogue
FG-MELSA urged the Council to consider the concerns raised, extend the registration deadline, review the fees and engage relevant stakeholders to find a fair and practical solution.
The Federation said it remains committed to constructive dialogue in the interest of its members and the future of the Medical Laboratory Science profession, and is ready to work with the Council.
The petition now rests with the AHPC. With the registration portal already open, graduates and their associations will be watching for the Council’s response on the fees, the deadline and the coat requirement.
A swift decision would give graduates certainty as they prepare for the ceremony that marks their entry to practice, and would show whether the Council is prepared to adjust its arrangements in response to the concerns of its newest members.
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