A government-appointed committee investigating an alleged assault at Ridge Hospital in Accra has found no medical evidence to support claims that a nurse suffered a shoulder dislocation or wrist fracture during the incident that sparked national outrage and prompted legal action.
The probe, commissioned by the Minister of Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, concluded that Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at the facility, sustained no fractures or dislocations as previously alleged. The findings contradict public statements made by Bortei, who claimed she was physically assaulted during a confrontation with relatives of a patient at the hospital’s emergency department..
According to the report presented Wednesday, Bortei sought medical attention a day after the August 18 altercation. Hospital records reviewed by the committee showed no signs of a left wrist fracture or dislocation in her right shoulder.
“She has, however, been treated and given pain relief, recommended for bed rest, and received psychological support care,” the report stated.
The incident gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing a chaotic scene at the hospital, with members of the public clashing with healthcare staff. The footage raised broader concerns about the safety of health professionals in Ghana’s public hospitals and prompted calls for systemic reforms.
In the aftermath, the Health Minister announced the formation of an investigative committee to determine the facts of the case. The committee’s findings are likely to influence ongoing public discourse over patient-provider tensions in the country’s strained healthcare system.
Despite the medical findings, Bortei has filed a civil suit against Ghanaian social media personality Ralph Saint Williams—known online as “Ralph De Fellow Ghanaian”—seeking GHS 7 million (approximately $550,000) in damages. The lawsuit alleges both physical assault and defamation stemming from the same incident.
Williams has not commented publicly on the matter.
Professional health associations have called for increased security at medical facilities and greater protections for frontline workers, regardless of the outcome of individual cases. The Ministry of Health has not yet indicated whether additional action will be taken in response to the committee's report.
