Ridge hospital nurse assault: Minister acts swiftly with probe
Health Minister Joseph Yieleh Akandoh responded firmly to the Ridge hospital nurse assault on August 20, 2025. He pledged to pay the nurse’s medical bills, replace her stolen phone, and ensure accountability.
Tony Goodman, the Health Ministry’s Communications Head, confirmed this during an interview with Citi FM in Accra. He said, “The Minister visited the nurse, assured her that her bills would be paid, and promised to replace her phone.”
The assault occurred at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge. A man identified as Ralph disrupted services in the Emergency Department while livestreaming on Facebook. His actions injured a nurse and another staff member, sparking outrage across Ghana.
Akandoh was the first senior government official to visit the hospital after the attack. He condemned the violence and quickly wrote to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command. He also contacted the Inspector-General of Police and directed the Adabraka Police Command to intensify investigations. Police arrested one suspect, while Ralph fled the hospital after the visit.
A viral video showed the Minister shaking hands with Ralph. The clip drew public criticism. Goodman clarified the situation. He explained that hospital staff identified Ralph only after the handshake. “The Minister is not a policeman. Ralph came as a patient. The Minister directed police to act immediately,” Goodman said.
The Minister also created a seven-day committee to review security at Ridge Hospital. The committee will study vulnerable areas such as the Emergency Unit, Outpatient Department, and morgue. It will recommend stronger safety protocols, including possible police deployment at high-risk points.
The committee will also examine treatment delays that sparked the disturbance. It will suggest reforms to prevent future violence in health facilities. Akandoh stressed that healthcare workers must remain safe, and the government will enforce new security measures nationwide.
Police continue searching for Ralph, while his accomplice remains in custody. The Minister assured the public that authorities will protect medical staff and restore confidence in hospital safety.
(Source: Citi FM interview via Graphic Online, August 20, 2025)
