Minority Condemns ‘Unlawful Conduct’ at Ridge Hospital, Calls for Urgent Probe

The Minority in Parliament has strongly condemned what it describes as the “unlawful and disruptive conduct” of one Mr. Ralph St. Williams at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), demanding a full-scale investigation by the Ghana Police Service.

In a statement signed on Tuesday, August 19, by Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member of the Health Committee, the Caucus expressed deep concern over reports that Mr. St. Williams, accompanied by a group of men, stormed the hospital premises, filmed staff and patients without consent, and caused widespread disruption.

Breach of Privacy and Dignity

“Such behaviour constitutes an affront to public order, the privacy of patients, and the dignity of our hardworking health professionals,” the statement noted.
The Minority stressed that hospitals are sanctuaries of care and confidentiality and “not theatres for political theatrics or disruptive conduct.”

Concerns Over Political Motivations

The Caucus recalled Mr. St. Williams’ recent altercation with a Minority MP, which required police intervention, describing it as part of a pattern of politically motivated misconduct.

Of further concern, they said, was his “cordial interaction” with the Minister of Health, which they argued could embolden disruptive figures and reflect a government posture that “romanticises” such acts for partisan gain.

“By its silence and gestures of accommodation, the government has given licence to individuals aligned with or sympathetic to the National Democratic Congress to engage in needless acts of intimidation, disorder and political violence under the guise of activism,” the statement read.

Minority’s Apology and Call to Action

The Caucus apologised to the management, staff, patients, and visitors of Ridge Hospital for the disruption, reaffirming their respect for health professionals who continue to work under extreme pressure.

They called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate and take legal action, while urging the Minister of Health and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to conduct a joint inquiry into the incident.

“The sanctity of our health facilities must be preserved at all times. Under no circumstances should political opportunism or governmental negligence be allowed to compromise the peace and safety of these vital institutions,” the statement concluded.

Health Minister Responds

Meanwhile, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has given a one-week ultimatum to a newly formed committee tasked with investigating the assault on nurses and health professionals at Ridge Hospital.