The Minority Health Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as “unlawful and reckless” behavior by Mr. Ralph St. Williams at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.
In a press release dated Tuesday, August 19, the Caucus expressed grave concern over a widely circulated video showing Mr. St. Williams storming the hospital premises on Monday, August 18, accompanied by a group of men. The footage reportedly captures him shouting aggressively, filming patients, health professionals, and visitors without consent, and causing significant disruption to the hospital’s operations.
“This behavior is an affront to public order, the privacy of patients, and the dignity of our hardworking health professionals,” the statement read. “Hospitals are places of care, healing, and confidentiality not theatres for political theatrics or disruptive conduct.”
The Caucus also referenced Mr. St. Williams’ recent involvement in a public altercation with a minority Member of Parliament, which required police intervention. They described his latest actions as part of a “worrying pattern of behavior” that should be met with national censure rather than political endorsement.
Of particular concern to the Minority Health Caucus is Mr. St. Williams’ apparent cordial relationship with the Minister of Health, which they claim raises “serious questions” about the government’s stance on such conduct. The Caucus accused the ruling administration of emboldening individuals aligned with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to engage in acts of intimidation and political violence under the guise of activism.
“This selective tolerance erodes public trust in our democratic institutions and undermines the morale of frontline professionals,” the statement warned.
In a gesture of solidarity, the Caucus extended apologies to the management, staff, patients, and visitors of Ridge Hospital for the disruption caused. They reaffirmed their respect and appreciation for Ghana’s health workers, praising their dedication and sacrifice.
The Minority Health Caucus has called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident thoroughly and take appropriate legal action to prevent future occurrences. They also urged the Minister of Health to initiate a joint inquiry with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The sanctity of our health facilities must be preserved at all times,” the statement concluded. “Under no circumstances should political opportunism or governmental negligence compromise the peace and safety of these vital institutions.”
The release was signed by Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, MP and Ranking Member of the Minority Health Caucus.
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