Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye has called on the Ministry of Health to take a more proactive role in monitoring the criminal dimension of the recent altercation between social media activist Ralph St. William and staff of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
The Former Minister of Health expressed concern that leaving the matter entirely in the hands of the police could undermine the confidence of health workers.
“I heard the minister say that they didn’t deal with the criminal aspect of the case; they left that to the police. I want to say that, for the sake of morale, the Ministry should be interested in what happens in the criminal matter.
“They should follow up to see if some call-ups have been made or apprehensions have been made,” he said on The Big Issue on Channel One TV in an interview.
His comments follow the release of an investigative report into the Ridge Hospital incident, which contradicted earlier claims made by rotation nurse Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, who alleged she sustained a shoulder dislocation during the clash.
Presenting the findings on Wednesday, August 27, Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, chairman of the committee set up by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, revealed that medical records did not support her claims.
According to the report, Rejoice reported her injuries on August 19, a day after the altercation, but examinations showed no signs of a fracture in her left wrist or dislocation in her right shoulder.
She was, however, treated, given pain relief, advised to rest, and placed under psychological support.
