By: Ruth Serwaa Asare
The report from the committee set up by the Minister of Health to investigate the recent altercation at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital also known as the Ridge Hospital has revealed that the nurse at the centre of the incident did not suffer any fracture or dislocation, as earlier reports suggested.
The Committee, chaired by Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, Director of Institutional Care at the Ghana Health Service, found that the rotational nurse Ms. Rejoice Tsotso Bortei was treated for pain and given psychological support. but sustained no serious injury.
“Medical records indicate she did not suffer any fracture or dislocation. She was managed with pain relief and recommended to rest,” the report noted, quoting the trauma specialist who attended to her.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 17, 2025, involved a confrontation between a group led by motorcyclist Ralph St. Williams and hospital staff at the Emergency Department.
Video clips circulated online showing heated exchanges, sparking public outrage over claims of an assault on health professionals.
However, the Committee’s findings paint a different picture. While acknowledging a verbal altercation, the report stated there was no medical evidence of a physical assault resulting in fractures or dislocations.
Ralph St. Williams, through his lawyer Oliver B. Vormawor, also denied attacking any staff. “At no point did I physically assault any medical staff or witness any biker lay hands on a hospital worker,” his statement to the committee read. “My frustration was triggered by provocative remarks in the heat of the emergency situation, but my recordings were solely to highlight delays in care.”
The committee also uncovered systemic challenges at Ridge Hospital, which contributed to tensions. All major diagnostic equipment including X-ray, CT scan, and MRI were non-functional at the time, forcing patients to seek imaging services elsewhere. This, coupled with severe staff shortages and inadequate security, created what the committee described as a “high-risk environment for both patients and staff.”
Dr. Ofori-Boadu stressed the need for urgent reforms“The absence of functional diagnostic equipment and adequate staff worsens delays in emergency care. This situation is not sustainable and must be corrected immediately.”
The committee urged the ministry of health to;
- Recruit additional nurses, doctors, and support staff for Ridge Hospital.
- Restore diagnostic imaging services without delay.
- Provide trained security personnel at all emergency units nationwide.
- Improve public education on how emergency care operates.
The report concluded with a call to government to “re-tool health facilities with essential diagnostic equipment” and to strengthen human resource capacity to prevent similar incidents.
While the controversy around Ridge Hospital’s emergency department has sparked debates on healthcare delivery in Ghana, the findings clear the air on the nurse’s condition putting to rest speculation of severe assault-related injuries.
