Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has explained his decision to engage both sides in the aftermath of the assault on a nurse at Ridge Hospital, stressing the need for neutrality and fairness as a public officer.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the Minister responded to criticism over his interaction with Ralph Saint Williams, the man accused of attacking the nurse.
“As a public officer and leader, whatever you do, people will talk. I listened to one side and assured them I would also listen to the other. After meeting the health workers, Ralph approached me and extended his hand. Should I have ignored him? Some may, but I won’t,” he stated.
Mr. Akandoh emphasized that his priority remains the welfare of the injured nurse, noting that he personally visited her to assure her of justice.
“What must matter most to the nurse is that the Minister for Health visited her and assured her that justice will be served,” he said.
He further stressed that optics alone should not dictate leadership decisions.
“For the optics, if I had ignored Ralph, the conversation would have been different. As a leader, you must remain neutral and not take sides to prejudice the matter.”
The Minister condemned the assault, calling it unacceptable, and pledged full support for the victim.
“I do not tolerate the attack and I have condemned it outright. The Ministry of Health will cover all medical bills for the nurse,” he assured.
Mr. Akandoh has assured that a thorough probe is underway and the findings will be made public once investigations are complete.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to government to arrest Ralph and his accomplices, warning that failure to act would determine their next line of action.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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