Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the alleged assault on nurses and other health professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.
His assurance comes in the wake of public outrage sparked by a viral video showing relatives of a patient physically attacking medical staff at the hospital’s emergency department.
Speaking in an interview, Hon. Akandoh made it clear that the police have taken up the matter and are pursuing it with the seriousness it deserves.
“I can tell you that some arrests have been made. Anybody who says otherwise is not speaking the truth and is not ready to help solve the issue”.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
The minister’s response was prompted by questions surrounding the involvement of a man identified as Ralph Saint Williams and his alleged accomplices, who were captured in the viral footage engaging in the attack.
Hon. Akandoh declined to confirm whether they were among those already arrested but urged the public to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties without interference.
“We should leave the police to do their job. I won’t sit down for things to go wayward in my sector. No one is above the laws of this country”.
Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
His words underscored the government’s resolve to ensure that individuals who violate the law by assaulting frontline health workers are held accountable. Hon. Akandoh further assured Ghanaians that the government is closely monitoring developments and receiving constant updates from the hospital.
According to him, structures are in place to manage the situation and ensure that the safety of healthcare workers and patients is prioritized. “The system is running, and as we speak, I’m getting updates. We are on course,” he added.
Widespread Condemnation
The incident at Ridge Hospital has drawn widespread condemnation, with many describing the assault as an unacceptable affront to healthcare professionals who continue to serve the public under often challenging conditions.
The viral video of the attack circulated widely on social media, sparking conversations about the vulnerability of frontline workers and the need for stronger security protocols in health facilities.
Amid the outrage, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a strong ultimatum to the police. The association demanded the immediate arrest of Ralph Saint Williams and his accomplices within 48 hours, warning that failure to act decisively could compel its members to take further action.
The association’s leadership has emphasized that the safety of nurses and midwives across the country must not be compromised, and that swift justice in this case would serve as a deterrent against similar attacks in the future.
Minister’s Assurance
In response to the incident, the Health Minister revealed that his ministry has constituted a five-member committee to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter. The committee, inaugurated after Hon. Akandoh’s visit to the hospital on Monday brings together a lawyer, an auditor, a human resource officer, a medical doctor, and a nurse.
This diverse composition, according to him, is intended to ensure a balanced assessment of the issues surrounding the assault.
Explaining the mandate of the committee, Hon. Akandoh noted that the investigation would adopt a dual approach: while the ministry handles the administrative aspects of the incident, the police would take charge of the criminal dimension. “These are the two angles we will be working from, so the law will take its own course,” he said.
The minister assured that the outcome of the probe would not only bring justice to the assaulted nurses but also help shape stronger policies for hospital safety.
He emphasized that the government is determined to prevent similar occurrences in the future by strengthening protocols within healthcare facilities. “The outcome of this investigation will help us improve hospital protocols and enhance safety for both patients and healthcare workers,” he explained.
The Health Minister’s firm assurances of government action, combined with police investigations and the committee’s work, aim to ensure accountability while preventing a recurrence of such violent attacks.
Ultimately, the Ridge Hospital assault is more than a single incident—it has become a test case for Ghana’s ability to protect its healthcare workforce. The decisions made in the coming weeks, and the speed with which justice is delivered, are likely to influence the morale of health professionals across the country.
READ ALSO: President Mahama Showcases Ghana’s Energy Advantage at TICAD-9
