No evidence of physical assault at Ridge Hospital– Health Ministry spokesperson

The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims that Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at Ridge Hospital, was physically assaulted during a recent altercation at the facility.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Wednesday, August 27, Ministry spokesperson and committee member, Tony Goodman clarified that investigations found no evidence of physical assault.

“The findings pointed to the fact that there was no physical assault, but there was some altercation and verbal assault, some disturbance at the emergency area of Ridge Hospital," he said.

He added that security footage and staff accounts did not support the nurse’s claim.

"We have not gotten any footage that she was assaulted, nor did we have anyone to corroborate her statement. All the officers on duty that day said they did not see anything of that sort, so it is difficult for us to assume that,” he said

The probe, initiated by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, also found no medical proof of a dislocated shoulder, as earlier reported. Medical records reviewed by the committee showed no fracture or dislocation, though the nurse was treated for pain and recommended rest and psychological support.

The incident, which gained public attention after a viral video showed patient relatives clashing with hospital staff, raised concerns over staff safety in public hospitals.

Meanwhile, Madam Bortei has filed a civil lawsuit seeking GHS 7 million in damages against social media personality Ralph Saint Williams, also known as “Ralph De Fellow Ghanaian”, for alleged physical assault and defamation related to the incident.