Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has directed a newly formed committee to complete investigations within one week into the assault on nurses and other health professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge).
The directive follows the circulation of a viral video showing a violent confrontation between relatives of a patient and medical staff at the hospital’s emergency department. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and protection of health workers.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) on Tuesday, August 19, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to uncovering the facts behind the incident.
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“I was at the hospital yesterday and interacted with the health workers. One of the reasons I went there was to reassure them of our commitment and encourage them to return to the wards. They were demoralised, so I assured them of a thorough investigation. After my visit, we constituted a committee to investigate the matter within a week, after which the law will take its course,” he said.
The Minister’s assurance comes as the Ministry faces growing pressure to ensure health professionals can perform their duties in a safe environment free from intimidation and violence.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry’s meeting with GIZ focused on strengthening collaboration in areas such as health infrastructure development, system upgrades, and capacity-building for regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem