The investigative committee set up to look into the alleged assault of a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) has released its findings, clarifying earlier reports of serious injury.
According to the committee, Miss Rejoice Tsortso, the rotation nurse at the center of the incident, did not suffer a fracture or shoulder dislocation as had been widely speculated in the media. Medical records reviewed during the probe confirmed that there was no indication of such injuries. The nurse, however, received medical treatment, psychological support, and has since been discharged.
Dr. Lawrence Ofori-Boadu, Chair of the Ridge Hospital Assault Investigative Committee, explained:
“When the committee visited, we saw the staff in bed. The medical documents available to us showed no fracture or dislocation. She has received some psychological support, and by the time of our visit, she had been discharged and was scheduled for review.”
The misunderstanding stemmed largely from a viral social media video of activist Ralph St. Williams (popularly known as Ralph De Fellow Ghanaian) in a heated altercation at the emergency ward. The footage led to widespread public belief that the nurse had been physically attacked and severely injured.
However, Ralph St. Williams has strongly denied the allegations, stating:
“At no point did I physically attack any nurse or staff.”
Despite his denial, the nurse has filed a GH₵7 million lawsuit against him for alleged assault and defamation. The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has also condemned the incident, calling for justice and stronger measures to ensure the safety of health workers.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Police Service have assured the public that steps are being taken both to address the legal issues and to strengthen security and protocols within health facilities.
The committee’s report serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in emotionally charged incidents and stresses the importance of verifying facts before conclusions are drawn.
