The Ministry of Health has dismissed allegations of bias against the committee that probed the alleged assault of a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.
In an interview on Adom FM Dwaso Nsem, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Tony Goodmann defended that the process was thorough and impartial.
He stressed that the recommendations were focused on addressing systemic lapses rather than apportioning blame.
“That is not correct. We engaged everyone, including the doctor who assessed the nurse. He is a specialist, and the committee’s work cannot be undermined.
“This was a comprehensive exercise. Our priority is not pointing fingers but finding ways to strengthen the system,” he stated.
The committee’s final report, presented to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on Wednesday, noted that while video footage and eyewitnesses confirmed a heated verbal exchange between Mr. Ralph St. Williams and hospital staff, no evidence was found to support claims of physical assault.
The report also pointed to wider institutional issues at the facility, such as inadequate staffing, weak security measures, and malfunctioning diagnostic equipment.
The nurse involved, Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, later reported pain in her left hand. Medical checks, however, showed no fracture or dislocation, and she was treated with pain medication and offered psychological support.
Meanwhile, Jefferson Asare, Greater Accra Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), challenged the committee’s findings, arguing that the attending physician had diagnosed multiple bruises and swelling—yet was not called before the committee.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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