Medical laboratory scientists are the backbone of diagnosis in Ghana’s healthcare system. But you cannot legally practise in any laboratory—public or private—without registration from the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC). The pathway involves a four-year degree, a mandatory one-year internship, a computer-based licensure examination, and then annual licence renewal with Continuing Professional Development. Here is what you need to know.
The Legal Foundation
The AHPC was established under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) . Section 5(1) of the Act states plainly: a person shall not practise as an allied health practitioner unless they are registered in accordance with the Act .
The AHPC regulates 23 distinct allied health professions, including medical laboratory scientists, technicians, and Doctors of Medical Laboratory Science .
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The Registration Pathway
Step 1: The Academic Qualification
The standard pathway begins with a four-year BSc degree in Medical Laboratory Science from a GTEC-accredited and AHPC-recognised institution . Graduates of diploma programmes in medical laboratory technology also qualify for registration at the technician level .
Step 2: Induction and the Professional Oath
After graduation, you must be inducted by the AHPC and swear the Allied Health Professions Oath. At the 2026 induction ceremonies, the AHPC inducted over 15,000 graduates, including 3,068 medical laboratory professionals (scientists, technicians, and Doctors of Medical Laboratory Science) in Accra alone .
At induction, you receive the documents required for your internship: a signed posting letter, a signed code of ethics, a logbook, and a logbook summary sheet. The Registrar has warned that no health facility will admit an intern without these four mandatory documents.
Step 3: The Mandatory One-Year Internship
You cannot practise independently immediately after graduation. The Registrar has stated clearly: “You are not professionals yet. You are not supposed to go onto the field and start practising” .
The internship is a one-year clinical placement under consultant supervision. For 2026 inductees, the placement ran from November 1 to September 30 . Your logbook must be completed and signed by recognised trainers.
Step 4: The Licensure Examination
After completing your internship, you must sit for and pass the AHPC professional licensure examination. This is a prerequisite for permanent registration .
Key reform: The AHPC moved its licensure examinations to computer-based testing for the first time in October 2025. The Acting Registrar stated that the change improves efficiency and accuracy, with results potentially available the same day .
Step 5: Permanent Registration
Once you pass the licensure examination, you can apply for permanent registration. You will receive a Professional Identification Number (PIN), which is proof of your registration and allows you to practise in Ghana .
Registration Fees
The AHPC announced induction fees for the 2026 cycle. According to a petition from the Federation of Ghana Medical Laboratory Students’ Associations (FG-MELSA), the fees are :
| Category | Fee (GH¢) |
|---|---|
| First-degree graduates | 500.00 |
| Diploma graduates | 450.00 |
| Six-year professional programme graduates | 650.00 |
The FG-MELSA petition raised concerns about the short registration window and the requirement to purchase new laboratory coats, arguing that existing coats meeting professional standards should be acceptable.
For the online registration fee, older guidance cites a payment to the “Allied Professions Council” account at GCB Bank, Korle Bu Branch, Accra . Confirm the current fee schedule directly with the AHPC.
Licence Renewal and CPD
The Annual Renewal Rule
Your PIN must be renewed every year. The old PIN expires on 31st December of each year. All allied health practitioners must complete renewal before that date .
The Acting Registrar has emphasised that licence renewal, guided by continuous learning, is “not a formality but a critical requirement to guarantee safe and efficient service delivery” .
The CPD Requirement
Renewal is conditional on Continuing Professional Development. The AHPC requires practitioners to engage in accredited CPD activities each year to maintain their licence .
The AHPC has accredited CPD providers, including the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) and the Elite Research and Data Science Institute (ERDSI), which offers courses in biomedical data science, research ethics, and scientific writing from 2026.
How to Renew
The renewal process is managed through the AHPC website :
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Visit the AHPC website and click “Register Now.”
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Log in with your existing account, or create one if you have not already.
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Select “Click Here to Log In With Pin” in the Renewal box.
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Enter your PIN and sign in.
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Update your details and upload a formal passport photograph.
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Enter your CPD details for the renewal year and upload verification documents.
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Agree to the declaration and click “Finish.”
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Pay the annual renewal fee according to your qualification.
The renewal fee schedule cited in older guidance is GH¢150.00 for BSc/MSc holders, with diploma holders paying a lower rate . Confirm the current fee on the AHPC portal before paying.
The Regional Office Expansion
The AHPC has been decentralising its services. In 2025, it commissioned a new regional office in Wa, the fifth of such branches established since the Council’s inception. The office serves professionals in the Upper West Region who previously had to travel to Accra or Tamale for licence renewal, registration, or regulatory concerns .
While the Wa office currently facilitates services and receives applications, full issuance of physical licences and certificates is still centrally processed in Accra. The Council is working to expand the capabilities of regional offices to handle these functions.
Professional Association: GAMLS
Beyond AHPC registration, many laboratory scientists join the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) . GAMLS advocates for the profession, organises CPD, and represents members on policy matters. Membership is not legally required but is strongly recommended for career networking and professional standing .
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) |
| Governing Law | Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857) |
| Degree Duration | 4 years (BSc) |
| Internship | 1 year, supervised |
| Licensure Exam | Computer-based since October 2025 |
| PIN Renewal Deadline | 31st December annually |
| Renewal Fee (BSc/MSc) | GH¢150.00 (older guidance; confirm current rate) |
| Induction Fee (2026, First Degree) | GH¢500.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I become a medical laboratory scientist in Ghana?
Complete a four-year BSc in Medical Laboratory Science from an accredited institution, undergo AHPC induction, complete a one-year supervised internship, pass the AHPC licensure examination, and apply for permanent registration .
2. Can I practise immediately after graduating?
No. The AHPC Registrar has stated clearly that graduates are not professionals yet and must complete the one-year internship under supervision before independent practice .
3. What documents do I need for my internship?
You need four mandatory documents: a signed posting letter, a signed code of ethics, a logbook, and a logbook summary sheet. No facility will admit an intern without these .
4. How much does AHPC induction cost?
For the 2026 cycle, the fees were GH¢500 for first-degree graduates, GH¢450 for diploma graduates, and GH¢650 for six-year professional programme graduates .
5. How do I renew my AHPC PIN?
Visit the AHPC website, log in with your PIN, update your details, enter your CPD activities, upload a passport photo, and pay the annual renewal fee .
6. How much is AHPC licence renewal?
Older guidance cites GH¢150.00 for BSc/MSc holders. Confirm the current fee on the AHPC portal .
7. How many CPD points do I need for renewal?
The AHPC requires accredited CPD activities each year. Providers like WCEA and ERDSI offer courses that count towards renewal . The exact point threshold is not published in the available sources; confirm with the AHPC.
8. Is the AHPC licensure exam computer-based?
Yes. Since October 2025, the exams are computer-based, with results potentially available the same day .
9. What is GAMLS?
The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists is the professional body that advocates for the profession and organises CPD. Membership is recommended but not legally required .
10. Are there AHPC offices outside Accra?
Yes. The AHPC has regional offices in several regions, including a new office in Wa commissioned in 2025. Full issuance of physical licences is still centrally processed in Accra .
11. What is the difference between a medical laboratory scientist and a technician?
A scientist holds a four-year BSc degree and is licensed to perform, interpret, and validate diagnostic tests independently. A technician typically holds a diploma or HND and works under supervision. The scientist role carries broader responsibilities and higher pay .
12. What happens if I practise without AHPC registration?
It is an offence under Section 5 of Act 857. You cannot legally practise in any healthcare facility in Ghana without registration.
Last Updated on October 30, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
