The committee investigating the alleged assault of a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) has released its findings, highlighting not only gaps in medical evidence but also broader weaknesses in staffing, security, and emergency service delivery.
Presenting the report in Accra on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, committee chair Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu noted that medical records did not support claims of a fracture or dislocation by nurse Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, who reported injuries a day after the incident. She was instead treated for pain, advised to rest, and given psychological support.
Beyond the disputed injuries, the committee’s work pointed to systemic problems at the emergency department. Security was described as “grossly inadequate,” with only one private officer covering 12-hour shifts despite heavy traffic, and the hospital relying on police support from Adenta because the on-site police post is too far from the unit.
On staffing, the unit in August was running on just one doctor per shift and one specialist per day. Out of 88 nurses posted to the department, only 54 remained at post, while 34 had left. Equipment challenges were also flagged, as the hospital’s X-ray, CT scan, and MRI machines were all out of service, causing treatment delays and external referrals.
Key recommendations include deploying more security personnel with regular police support, expanding CCTV coverage, recruiting additional doctors and nurses, repairing diagnostic machines, and building more secondary-level hospitals in the region to ease pressure on Ridge. The committee also urged stronger public education to manage expectations around emergency services and reduce confrontations.
Dr. Ofori-Boadu said adopting these reforms would strengthen patient care, prevent similar incidents, and safeguard public confidence in the health system.
