The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has given government 48 hours to arrest and prosecute individuals who physically assaulted a nurse at the Accra Ridge Hospital, warning of a nationwide withdrawal of services if action is not taken.
The demand follows the circulation of a viral video showing a violent attack on health workers at the hospital’s emergency unit. The altercation, allegedly led by one Ralph Saint Williams and involving at least seven others, left a nurse with injuries and currently on admission.
Dr. David Tenkorang Twum, General Secretary of GRNMA, described the incident as an affront to the dignity and safety of health professionals. Speaking to the media, he said the association could no longer guarantee the safety of its members if government fails to act swiftly.
“That is unfortunate. We can’t turn Ghana into a banana republic. We are very civilized people. We are professionals,” Dr. Tenkorang stated.
“And we are asking government to arrest the guy immediately and the eight accomplices, we were told there were about 50 guys that day. But those who laid their hands on the lady, there were about eight, including Ralph himself. And therefore, if he’s not arrested within 48 hours, we shall advise ourselves.”
He further stressed that the attack highlighted a deeper issue of inadequate security measures in health facilities, warning that continued impunity could paralyze the country’s healthcare delivery system.
The Ridge Hospital management has assured staff that interim measures are being put in place, but the GRNMA insists the assurances are not enough without immediate arrests and prosecutions.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for stronger protections for frontline health workers who often face verbal and physical abuse in the line of duty.
