Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has defended his decision to shake hands with Ralph St. Williams, the social media activist accused of assaulting a health worker at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
The gesture drew public backlash after a video emerged showing the minister exchanging pleasantries with the activist shortly after meeting hospital authorities over the matter.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Mr. Akandoh clarified that the handshake should not be misconstrued as support for the alleged assault.
He explained that it was an act of common courtesy expected of a public officer in such engagements, stressing that the law will take its natural course regardless of the gesture.
READ ALSO: GRNMA condemns health minister for exchanging pleasantries with Ralph St. Williams
The Minister assured that his outfit remains committed to protecting the rights of health workers and ensuring justice for the victims of the Ridge Hospital incident.
He reiterated that investigations are ongoing and urged the public to allow due process to run its course without drawing premature conclusions from his personal interaction with the accused.
