The committee investigating the August 17, 2025, incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), popularly known as Ridge Hospital, has concluded that there was no delay in providing initial emergency care to the patient at the centre of a widely publicised confrontation.
The probe, however, uncovered that all major diagnostic imaging equipment, including the X-ray, CT scan, and MRI machines, at the hospital’s Emergency Department was non-functional at the time of the incident, forcing critical tests to be conducted at external facilities and fueling public frustration.
No Delay in Emergency Response
According to the committee’s report presented to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, medical staff promptly attended to the patient with a suspected head injury upon arrival at the Emergency Department. This directly contradicts claims circulating on social media that alleged neglect by hospital staff led to the altercation.
“Clinical care commenced without delay,” the report stated. “The treatment process was, however, hampered by the unavailability of functioning diagnostic imaging equipment on-site.”
Equipment Failures Blamed for Treatment Delays
The absence of operational X-ray, CT scan, and MRI facilities significantly prolonged the patient’s treatment timeline. The report noted that the patient had to be referred to external facilities for diagnostic services, a common occurrence that has long frustrated patients and caregivers at Ridge Hospital.
The committee said the breakdown of these essential machines undermined public confidence in the facility and contributed to tensions on the day of the incident.
No Proof of Physical Assault
Despite viral videos suggesting a violent confrontation, the committee found no evidence of a physical assault against Ms. Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse who claimed to have been attacked. Video evidence only confirmed a heated verbal exchange involving Mr Ralph St. Williams, a group of riders, and hospital staff.
Ms. Bortei later reported pain in her left hand but medical examinations revealed no fractures or dislocations. She has since received pain relief and psychological support.
Security and Staffing Shortcomings Exposed
Beyond the incident itself, the committee’s findings painted a troubling picture of the hospital’s preparedness for emergencies:
Inadequate Security: Only one private security officer was assigned per 12-hour shift at the Emergency Department, a setup the committee described as “grossly inadequate.” Although there is a police post on the premises, it is far from the ED, resulting in slow response times during disturbances.
Severe Staff Shortages: The Emergency Department operated with just one medical officer per shift in August, supported by only seven medical officers and two specialists for the entire month. Out of 88 nurses expected, only 54 were available, with 34 having vacated their posts without replacements.
Overstretched Facility: The ED operated at nearly full capacity round-the-clock, handling most trauma and acute medical cases in Accra, a situation worsened by the absence of a functioning hospital in La.
Recommendations for Reform
The committee made several recommendations to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, including:
- Increasing security personnel and deploying police support during peak hours.
2. Expanding CCTV surveillance at the ED for improved monitoring.
3. Recruiting additional medical and administrative staff dedicated to emergency care.
4. Repairing or replacing all non-functional diagnostic equipment.
5. Strengthening emergency care systems nationwide and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols.
Mr. St. Williams Responds
Mr. Ralph St. Williams, the man whose confrontation with hospital staff sparked the incident, denied physically assaulting anyone. In a written statement and video submissions, he claimed his actions were driven by frustrations over systemic delays rather than personal animosity.
He admitted being “provoked by comments made by a nurse” but maintained that his live-streamed videos were intended to expose service delivery gaps.
A Wake-Up Call for the Health Sector
The Health Minister is expected to review the recommendations for immediate action. The committee stressed that while Ridge Hospital’s staff acted professionally during the incident, systemic failings, especially in equipment and staffing, remain a critical threat to emergency care delivery in Ghana.
Source: Myjoyonline
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