A senior official at the National Identification Authority (NIA) has dismissed allegations that a man involved in a widely publicized assault on medical personnel at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital is affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the incident continues to draw national attention.
Speaking Thursday on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru, Deputy CEO of the NIA, described attempts to link social media activist Ralph St. William to the NDC as “politically motivated” and warned that such speculation risks shifting focus from the core issue: violence against frontline health workers.
“The gentleman involved has no link with the NDC as a political party — that is a fact,” Nasiru said. “Let us not politicize a matter that should be addressed purely as a breach of law and public safety.”
St. William, who has yet to be taken into custody, was identified in a viral video that showed a chaotic altercation between relatives of an accident victim and emergency staff at the Ridge Hospital. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from alleged delays in treatment.
One suspect has already been arrested in connection with the incident, according to the Ministry of Health. Authorities say efforts to apprehend the remaining individuals, including St. William, are ongoing.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has since established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault, giving it a one-week deadline to present findings. Akandoh’s involvement has sparked debate, with critics questioning the appropriateness of his direct participation in an active inquiry.
Tony Goodman, spokesperson for the Ministry, defended the Minister’s actions, stating they reflect “leadership and a firm commitment to protecting healthcare professionals.”
The altercation has reignited concerns over safety in Ghana’s health facilities, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security protocols to safeguard medical staff from abuse and intimidation.
“This incident is very unfortunate,” Nasiru added. “No one wants to witness such scenes, particularly as we strive to move the country forward.”
The Ridge Hospital episode comes amid broader scrutiny of the country’s health infrastructure and the treatment of medical personnel, many of whom face mounting pressures in understaffed and overburdened facilities.
