For six months, Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital became an unlikely home for Emmanuel Etroo, a rubber tapper who was left stranded at the facility after a road crash drained his family’s financial resources.
Emmanuel’s ordeal began on February 15, 2026, when a Sprinter bus crashed into his motorbike on the Takoradi-Agona road at Ewusiejoe, leaving him with severe injuries to his right foot.
He was rushed to Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, where he subsequently underwent four surgeries.
Although the procedures brought some relief, Emmanuel was later discharged and instructed to return for a fifth surgery.
However, he could not afford the procedure or settle his accumulated medical bills.
His first surgery alone cost GHS15,500, but Emmanuel said the driver of the vehicle initially paid only GHS2,000. He later contributed another GHS3,000 before, according to Emmanuel, informing the family that he was only a spare driver and was no longer working.
The family was subsequently left to shoulder the cost of treatment.
After raising GHS10,500 to settle part of the first surgery bill, the financial burden continued to grow. Emmanuel’s four surgeries eventually accumulated medical bills amounting to GHS39,110.
Unable to clear the debt or finance the required fifth surgery, Emmanuel remained at the hospital for six months, hoping for assistance.
His situation changed after Linda Otto, a nursing officer at the hospital, recorded a video appealing to the public for support.
The video went viral on social media and attracted the attention of Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson.
Moved by Emmanuel’s plight, the Minister visited him at the hospital and announced that he would settle the outstanding medical bill and support his next surgery.
“I came here because of you, following the viral video by Linda, the nursing officer. It touched me to come and assist, so I am paying your outstanding bill and paying for the next surgery as well,” Mr Nelson said.
The Minister subsequently paid the full outstanding bill of GHS39,110 and pledged an additional GHS11,000 to cover the cost of Emmanuel’s fifth surgery.
He also presented Emmanuel with GHS5,000 to support him after leaving the hospital and assist with his transition back to normal life.
The intervention brought relief to Emmanuel and his family, who had struggled for months to meet the cost of his medical care.
The Minister’s support extended beyond Emmanuel, as he also presented an undisclosed amount to male patients at the hospital’s Male Orthopaedic Ward to help cushion them against their medical expenses.
Speaking on behalf of Emmanuel’s family, patients and staff, Alfred Acquah Asiedu, Shift-in-Charge of the Male Surgical Ward, expressed appreciation to the Minister for the intervention.
“We are very grateful to the Western Regional Minister for this support. On behalf of the staff, the patients, and Emmanuel’s family, we sincerely thank him for coming to their aid,” he said.
For Emmanuel, the intervention has brought an end to months of uncertainty and financial hardship.
With his outstanding debt settled, his fifth surgery secured and financial support provided for his recovery after discharge, he can now look forward to completing his treatment and rebuilding his life after the accident.
