The leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has visited Nurse Rejoice Tsotso, who was assaulted by social media activist Ralph Saint Williams and his supporters at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge.
The visit, led by senior executives of the union, was aimed at showing solidarity, boosting her morale, and assuring her of the association’s commitment to protecting its members.
At the hospital ward where the nurse is receiving treatment, the GRNMA delegation, including the National PRO, Assistant National PRO, and Ashanti Regional Chairman, Lawyer Afriyie Anto, expressed the union’s resolve to ensure her safety and secure justice.
Nurse Tsotso was not only physically attacked but also had her mobile phone and money stolen in the process. The incident has left her hospitalized and sparked widespread outrage among health professionals and the public.
Speaking during the visit, GRNMA’s General Secretary, Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, stressed that the association viewed the assault as an attack on all nurses and midwives across the country.
“We want you to know that an attack on one nurse or midwife is an attack on all nurses and midwives in Ghana, and by extension all health workers. We are not drawn from the army to sacrifice our lives; we ought to be safe to save our patients”
Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary of GRNMA
The leadership revealed that engagements had been held with Ridge Hospital management and the Regional Health Directorate, who assured them that measures would be taken to pursue justice and reinforce security at the facility.
However, GRNMA issued a stern warning that if these measures proved inadequate, the union would not hesitate to protect its members by withdrawing them from unsafe working environments.
Dr. Tenkorang explained that health workers could not operate under constant threats of violence. He further reminded stakeholders of Section 119 of Ghana’s Labour Act, which allows workers to withdraw their services if their health and safety are compromised.
“If anybody can just walk into a facility like Ridge Hospital and throw his weight about, and beat a midwife, that is unfortunate. We are not happy at all. Our people are traumatized.
“Our people have told us today, after interacting with them, that they are not safe. They feel that their safety has been breached”
Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary of GRNMA
Hospital Attack Sparks Outrage
The assault followed a viral video that showed a heated confrontation at the emergency ward of Ridge Hospital. The activist and his supporters accused staff of delaying treatment for a patient, which led to chaos and violence.
The situation escalated into physical abuse, with Nurse Tsotso being assaulted during the confrontation.
The Ministry of Health and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital have both condemned the attack, describing it as “unacceptable interference in the work of health professionals.” They emphasized that while patients and relatives may be distressed in emergency cases, violence against health workers undermines healthcare delivery and worsens outcomes for patients.
In addition to showing solidarity with the assaulted nurse, GRNMA has demanded immediate government action. The union issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the arrest of Ralph Saint Williams and his alleged accomplices.
According to Dr. Tenkorang, about eight men physically attacked the nurse, though reports suggest up to fifty were present during the incident.
“We are very civilized people. We are professionals. And we are asking the government to arrest the guy immediately and the eight accomplices. If he’s not arrested within 48 hours, we shall advise ourselves”
Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary of GRNMA
The GRNMA insists that decisive steps are needed not only to deliver justice to the victim but also to restore confidence among nurses and midwives nationwide.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to defending its members against intimidation and ensuring that healthcare professionals can work in safety and dignity.
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