Shaking hands with Ralph doesn’t mean I approve of his actions– Health Minister defends gesture

The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has publicly defended his decision to shake hands with Ralph St. William, the social media activist accused of assaulting a health worker at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

The incident, which occurred shortly after a meeting with the hospital’s management, drew widespread public criticism when a video surfaced showing the minister warmly greeting the alleged perpetrator.

Addressing the press on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Mr. Akandoh explained that the gesture was not an endorsement of the alleged assault but an act of courtesy expected of a public officer.

“After we finished the meeting with the hospital management, I put together a committee to investigate the matter in question.

“So, after that meeting, we came outside, and my attention was drawn to a gentleman who I was told was at the centre of the controversy,” he said.

He added, “So, on approaching me, I asked, ‘Why did you do what you did?’

When I asked, the gentleman stretched his hand, shook me, and attempted to whisper something into my ear.

At this point, should I push him away, snub him, or shout at him?

Even if that guy has been prosecuted and sentenced to life imprisonment, if he stretches his hand to shake me, as a minister and as a public officer, I have a duty to greet him back.”

On whether the handshake could be perceived as leniency, Mr. Akandoh clarified, “The fact that I shook hands with him does not mean I should stop any measures the ministry or government will take to unravel the situation.”