The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has condemned the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, for exchanging pleasantries with social media activist Ralph St. Williams, who is accused of assaulting a nurse at the Ridge Hospital.
The Association, through its Deputy Public Relations Officer, expressed disappointment, stressing that the minister should have called for the arrest of Williams instead of engaging him.
“Someone who has perpetrated crime is seen having an interaction with the sector Minister… we expect the minister to call for his arrest. Assaulting nurses is a crime. We didn’t expect the minister to be that nice to the criminal,” the PRO stated.
In response, the Health Minister has confirmed that arrests have already been made in connection with the Ridge Hospital assault, though he declined to confirm whether Williams and his accomplices were among those picked up.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Akandoh explained that the matter is with the police, who must be allowed to do their work.
“I can tell you that some arrests have been made. Anybody who says otherwise is not speaking the truth and is not ready to help solve the issue,” he said, adding that no one is above the law.
He assured that the ministry is closely monitoring developments and receiving regular updates.
Meanwhile, the GRNMA has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the police to arrest Williams and others implicated in the incident, warning of possible further action if the demand is not met.
The minister also disclosed that a five-member committee has been set up to investigate the matter, comprising a lawyer, an auditor, a human resource officer, a medical doctor, and a nurse.
He explained that while the ministry handles administrative concerns, the police will pursue the criminal aspects to ensure accountability. Mr. Akandoh further assured that the probe will strengthen hospital protocols to guarantee the safety of both patients and healthcare workers.
