Ridge Hospital probe finds no evidence of physical assault on nurse

The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims of a physical assault on a rotation nurse at Ridge Hospital following an investigation into a viral incident that sparked nationwide concern.

Tony Goodman, spokesperson for the ministry and member of the investigative committee, said on Wednesday, August 27, that findings from the probe showed no evidence to support allegations made by Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at the facility.

“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. 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,” Mr. Goodman explained on Citi Eyewitness News.

The committee, established by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, reviewed CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and medical records before finalising its report. According to Goodman, the team remains confident in its findings after an extensive investigation.

Medical documents examined by the committee revealed no evidence of a shoulder dislocation or fractures, contradicting earlier claims. However, Ms. Bortei was treated for pain, prescribed medication, and advised to take rest while also receiving psychological support.

The incident, which went viral on social media, showed relatives of a patient clashing with hospital staff at the emergency ward, raising serious concerns about the safety of healthcare workers at Ridge Hospital and across the country.

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

Authorities have assured the public that measures are being considered to strengthen security at health facilities and prevent future confrontations between staff and relatives of patients.