The Ridge Assault Investigative Committee has submitted its final report to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, following a viral incident on August 17 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department (GARH).
Contrary to public speculation, the committee found no evidence of physical assault.
According to the committee, the video footage showed a heated verbal exchange between Mr. Ralph St. Williams and hospital staff, but no confirmed physical attack.
“I did not assault anyone, nor did I witness any physical violence,” Mr. St. Williams stated in a written submission, adding that his Facebook Live recordings were meant to expose delays in care.
Nurse Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, who reported pain in her hand, was treated for minor discomfort and received psychological support. No fractures or dislocations were found.
The committee further confirmed that the patient with a suspected head injury was promptly attended to, however, all imaging equipment—X-ray, CT scan, and MRI—were non-functional, forcing tests to be conducted off-site delaying treatment.
On security, the committee reported that, only one private security officer was on duty per 12-hour shifts, and the hospital’s police post was too far from the Emergency Department to respond swiftly, as staff shortages were also severe.
“just one medical officer per shift and 34 nursing vacancies left unfilled”.
The Emergency department was decided as overstretched and extremely busy.
The committee urged the following:
* Increase security and deploy police support on weekends and nights.
* Repair diagnostic equipment.
* Recruit more emergency medical staff.
* Expand public education on emergency care protocols.
“This incident highlights systemic gaps in emergency healthcare delivery,” the report concluded, calling for nationwide reforms to strengthen emergency response and infrastructure.
