The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has issued an unqualified apology to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, following a period of tension and media criticism directed at the minister in the aftermath of an incident at Ridge Hospital. The incident, which occurred on August 17, 2025, at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department, involved a confrontation between individuals seeking medical attention and the hospital’s nursing staff. The ensuing media coverage, fueled by widely circulated video clips of the altercation, sparked national outrage and contributed to the strained relationship between the GRNMA and the Minister of Health. The GRNMA leadership, recognizing the gravity of the situation and their role in escalating tensions, met with the Minister on September 3rd to formally offer their apologies and commit to a more collaborative approach moving forward.
The meeting between the GRNMA and Minister Akandoh served as a crucial step in mending the fractured relationship and fostering a more constructive dialogue between the Ministry and healthcare professionals. Minister Akandoh graciously accepted the apology and emphasized the importance of open communication and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the healthcare sector. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare workers and improving service delivery, highlighting several key initiatives undertaken by the government to bolster the healthcare system. These interventions included the addition of 13,500 nurses to the public payroll, the establishment of the Ghana Medical Training Fund to support healthcare education and training, and the allocation of resources for the modernization and re-equipping of health facilities across the country. He also noted the government’s efforts to clear outstanding training allowances and health insurance claims, as well as the decision to subsidize admission fees for nursing training institutions.
Minister Akandoh reassured the nurses of his dedication to fully implementing the collective bargaining agreement, recognizing the importance of fair compensation and improved working conditions for healthcare professionals. He emphasized the government’s continued commitment to pursuing reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage, a critical goal for ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians. In the spirit of collaboration and problem-solving, the Minister appealed for calm and patience as the government works to address the complex issues within the healthcare sector. He underscored the government’s unwavering determination to find sustainable solutions to the challenges facing both healthcare workers and the public.
The GRNMA, while offering their apology, also took the opportunity to raise important concerns affecting health workers and advocate for urgent government action to address these issues. This exchange reflects the importance of open communication and a collaborative approach to problem-solving within the healthcare sector. The meeting included key representatives from the GRNMA, including former President Alice Darkoa Asare-Allotey, immediate past President Dr. Krobea Asante, current President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and General Secretary Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum. Their presence underscored the seriousness with which the GRNMA approached the meeting and their commitment to working constructively with the Ministry of Health.
Parallel to the reconciliation efforts between the GRNMA and the Ministry of Health, an investigation into the Ridge Hospital incident was underway. The Ridge Assault Investigative Committee, tasked with examining the events of August 17th, uncovered evidence that cast doubt on the initial claims of physical assault. Video footage reviewed by the committee showed a heated verbal exchange between Mr. Ralph St. Williams, some riders, and hospital staff, but no clear instances of physical violence. This revelation highlights the importance of thorough investigations and reliance on factual evidence in such situations, particularly when initial reports and public perceptions may be influenced by heightened emotions and incomplete information.
The alleged victim, Ms. Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse, reported pain in her left hand following the incident. However, medical examinations, including reports obtained by the investigative committee, confirmed the absence of any fractures or dislocations. Ms. Bortei was subsequently treated with pain relief medication and provided with psychological support to address the emotional impact of the incident. The findings of the investigative committee shed light on the complexities of the situation and the importance of differentiating between verbal altercations and physical assault. This nuanced understanding is crucial for ensuring that appropriate actions are taken and that all parties involved are treated fairly.
