The leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has condemned the assault of a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) by a group led by a man identified as Ralph, describing it as an attack on the entire association.
The nurse, Rejoice Tsotso, who is currently on admission at the hospital, was reportedly beaten on Sunday. Her cell phone and money were also stolen during the incident. According to reports, the attackers allegedly threatened to track down staff and “take a life,” leaving health workers fearing for their safety.
GRNMA executives visited the injured nurse on Monday to show solidarity and assured her of the association’s full support. Addressing the press after the visit, the General Secretary of GRNMA, Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, stressed that the assault was part of a worrying trend of attacks on health professionals, which the association will no longer tolerate.
“I think this is an unfortunate incident after we have reiterated our concerns several times. We will do everything possible in our capacity as a union to stop this. If our nurses tell us that they are not safe to offer essential services at the emergency area, then we will take the necessary action,” Dr. Tenkorang Twum said.
Citing Section 119(1) of the Labour Act, he reminded health workers that the law allows them to remove themselves from any situation where their lives or health are in imminent danger.
Assaults both physical and verbal against health workers in Ghana have repeatedly raised alarm. In November 2022, at Manhyia Government Hospital in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Service Scheme, Alex Opoku-Mensah, verbally abused a nurse in a widely publicized incident. This provoked outrage, led to an NSS investigation, a temporary suspension, the nurse being moved for psychological support, and even a brief strike by staff aligned with the GRNMA.
READ: GRNMA visits assaulted Ridge Hospital nurse, vows protection
More recently, in August 2025, Ridge Hospital condemned another assault on a nurse in its Emergency Department, which erupted after relatives of a patient clashed with staff. Management called in police and reiterated the need for maintaining both order and the safety of health personnel.
These recurring incidents underline longstanding concerns among health professionals and unions about inadequate security at hospitals, especially in high-pressure emergency settings where tensions often escalate. The GRNMA and other stakeholders have consistently pressed for stronger protective measures.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
