"Nobody has the right to attack any health professional" - Health Minister

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has strongly condemned any form of violence or harassment against health professionals, calling for calm and clarity following the recent altercation involving a man identified as Ralph and a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional (Ridge) Hospital.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Mr. Akandoh outlined the chronology of events leading up to and following the much-publicised incident, and reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting healthcare workers across the country.

“Let me make it clear: irrespective of the level of provocation at any health facility in this country, nobody — absolutely nobody — has the right to attack any health professional,” the Minister stressed.

According to him, following initial reports of the incident, he dispatched a delegation to the Ridge Hospital to ascertain the facts.

After being debriefed, he felt compelled to personally visit the facility, accompanied by the Deputy Director-General and other top officials from the Ministry of Health.

During the visit, Mr. Akandoh toured the hospital, visited the affected nurse, and held a closed-door meeting with management to discuss security concerns and staff welfare.

He stated that the conversation was focused on solutions and internal improvements, not public confrontations or blame games.

"We discussed key issues including internal security and staffing,” he said.

"After the meeting, I addressed the press to assure the public and the health community that we are taking the necessary steps to ensure such incidents do not repeat.”

The Minister disclosed that he has constituted a committee to investigate the incident thoroughly and present actionable recommendations.

Mr. Akandoh also addressed the controversial moment when he was seen shaking hands with Ralph, the man reportedly at the centre of the altercation.

He clarified that the handshake was a matter of courtesy and public duty, and not a dismissal of the seriousness of the incident.

“Even if someone is being prosecuted or serving a sentence, if they stretch their hand to greet me, as a public officer, I am obliged to respond. That doesn’t mean I condone wrongdoing, nor does it halt any measures we are putting in place to seek justice,” he explained.

In a lighter moment during the press conference, the Minister addressed public jests about his background as a farmer.

“Yes, I’m a poor farmer. In fact, I’m one of the biggest rice farmers in the country, and I’m proud of that. But these distractions will not derail the work we have to do,” he added.

Mr. Akandoh urged the public and political actors to refrain from politicising the incident or attempting to incite health workers against the government.

“Any attempt by individuals or groups to pretend they care more about health workers than the government is not helpful. We must avoid unnecessary tensions. It doesn’t help the sector,” he cautioned.

The Minister reassured health professionals of the government’s unwavering support, and affirmed that investigations will be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and urgency.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith