The Ministry of Health’s Investigative Committee has dismissed claims that doctors and nurses at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) delayed in attending to a patient, stating there was no such lapse in care on the day of the August 17 incident involving Ralph Williams and a group of motorbike riders.
The committee’s report, submitted on August 27, 2025, revealed that the patient in question, Mr. Oppong, who had suffered a suspected head injury in a motorbike accident, was promptly attended to by staff.
However, his further treatment was affected by the hospital’s inability to run imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans because all diagnostic equipment in the emergency unit had broken down.
These investigations had to be done outside the hospital, creating the perception of delay and fueling tensions.
The committee noted that the disturbance escalated into heated exchanges between Mr. Williams and hospital staff.
While a nurse, Ms. Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, later reported injuries to her hand and shoulder, medical records confirmed she did not suffer fractures or dislocations.
She was treated with pain relief, discharged, and offered psychosocial support.
Mr. Williams, who was invited to testify, declined a phone interview with the committee but submitted a written statement and four video recordings, including a Facebook Live stream.
In his report, he claimed his frustration was triggered by what he described as provocative remarks from a nurse but insisted he did not physically assault any staff member nor witness any biker doing so.
The Greater Accra Regional Hospital, known as Ridge Hospital, is one of Ghana’s busiest referral facilities and a major hub for trauma and emergency cases.
Its Emergency Department is often stretched to full capacity, receiving referrals from across Accra and nearby districts such as La.
Ralph Williams, at the centre of the incident, is a motorbike enthusiast and social activist known for livestreaming issues of public concern.
His Facebook broadcast of the Ridge Hospital altercation amplified the incident and sparked nationwide debate on emergency healthcare delivery.
The committee’s inquiry uncovered systemic gaps beyond the August 17 incident. Staffing levels were described as “woefully inadequate,” with only one medical officer per shift at the Emergency Department and 34 nurses having left their posts without replacement.
Security was also deemed insufficient, with just one private guard stationed at the emergency area, while the hospital police post sits far from the emergency unit.
The committee has recommended immediate measures, including restoring diagnostic imaging services, recruiting more doctors, nurses, and client service staff, and strengthening security with a 24/7 police presence and CCTV installations.
It also called for broader reforms, urging the Ministry of Health to build emergency care capacity nationwide and invest in secondary-level hospitals to ease the pressure on Ridge Hospital and similar facilities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
