Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has confirmed that arrests have been made following the recent assault on nurses and other health professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, commonly known as Ridge Hospital.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Minister stated that the matter has been handed over to the police, who are now actively investigating.
“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,” Mr. Akandoh stressed.
The incident, which has generated public outrage, was captured in a viral video showing relatives of a patient physically attacking medical staff at the hospital’s emergency department. The footage quickly spread on social media, raising renewed concerns about the safety of frontline health workers.
When asked specifically whether the individuals identified as Ralph Saint Williams and his accomplices, alleged to have attacked a nurse, were among those arrested, the Minister declined to provide details, emphasizing the need to allow the police to perform 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,” he remarked.
The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued a strong response to the assault, giving the police a 48-hour ultimatum to arrest Ralph Saint Williams and his alleged accomplices. The Association warned that failure to act swiftly could result in further action by its members, underscoring the seriousness with which health workers view the safety of their colleagues.
To address the matter comprehensively, the Health Minister revealed that a five-member committee has been set up to investigate the incident. The committee includes a lawyer, an auditor, a human resource officer, a medical doctor, and a nurse. It was formally inaugurated following his visit to Ridge Hospital on Monday.
According to Mr. Akandoh, the investigation will take a dual approach. While the Ministry of Health will handle the administrative and institutional aspects, the police will focus on the criminal dimension of the case.
“These are the two angles we will be working from, so the law will take its own course,” he explained.
The Minister also assured Ghanaians that the government remains fully on top of the matter and is receiving regular updates from Ridge Hospital. He emphasized that the outcome of the investigation will not only ensure justice is served but also help strengthen hospital protocols to protect healthcare workers and patients alike.
“The system is running, and as we speak, I’m getting updates. We are on course,” he added.
The Ridge Hospital assault case has sparked a national conversation about workplace safety for healthcare professionals. Many have called for stricter security measures in hospitals to prevent similar incidents in the future. As investigations continue, the public awaits the findings of the committee and the next steps from law enforcement authorities.
