The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has rendered an unqualified apology to the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, following recent public criticisms directed at him in the aftermath of the Ridge Hospital assault case.
The apology stems from the August 17, 2025, incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department, where individuals seeking medical care allegedly assaulted nurses and staff on duty. The confrontation, captured on video and widely circulated online, sparked nationwide outrage.
During a meeting with the Health Minister on Wednesday, September 3, GRNMA leaders apologised for how the fallout was managed and discussed ways to strengthen collaboration between nurses and government.
Mr. Akandoh accepted the apology, urging the Association to prioritise dialogue and constructive engagement. He highlighted recent government interventions, including the integration of 13,500 nurses onto the payroll, establishment of the Ghana Medical Training Fund, settlement of arrears on training allowances and health insurance claims, and absorption of half of admission fees for nursing trainees.
The Minister further assured full implementation of the collective bargaining agreement and ongoing reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He also called for calm, stressing government’s commitment to addressing challenges in the health sector.
Present at the meeting were former GRNMA President Alice Darkoa Asare-Allotey, immediate past President Dr. Krobea Asante, current President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and General Secretary Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum.
Meanwhile, video evidence submitted to the Ridge Assault Investigative Committee showed a heated verbal altercation between Mr. Ralph St. Williams, some riders, and hospital staff. However, no footage or eyewitness account confirmed a physical attack. The alleged victim, Ms. Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse, later reported pain in her left hand, but medical examinations found no fractures or dislocations. She was treated with pain relief and psychological support.
