The Ministry of Health has announced plans to investigate allegations contained in an investigative report by The Fourth Estate media outlet concerning the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge Hospital.
In a statement issued following the widespread circulation of the report on social media, the Ministry acknowledged public concern and expressed sympathy for patients and families who may have experienced unprofessional conduct within health facilities across the country.
“The Ministry sympathises with patients and relatives who may have been subjected to any form of unprofessional conduct in any health facility across the country,” the statement said.
The report by The Fourth Estate reportedly raises troubling issues about service delivery at Ridge Hospital, prompting the Ministry to describe some of the revelations as “deeply concerning and surprising.” According to the Ministry, the gravity of the issues necessitates a thorough and impartial examination.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving access to healthcare, the Ministry emphasised that reducing both stress and the financial burden on patients remains a key priority. “Government remains committed to reducing the stress and financial burden patients face in accessing healthcare,” the statement noted.
In response to the allegations, the Ministry disclosed that it is in the process of constituting an investigative committee to examine the matters raised in the report. The committee is expected to complete its work and submit a report within fourteen (14) working days.
The Ministry also called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure accountability and strengthen service delivery within the health system. “The Ministry expects the full cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, including The Fourth Estate, to help unravel the facts and provide additional details necessary to ensure accountability and improve service delivery within our health system,” the statement added.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to guide any further actions required to address lapses identified and to restore public confidence in healthcare delivery at the facility.
Background Story ( THE FOURTH ESTATE)
Alleged exploitation of patients at Ridge Hospital in Ghana, where some surgeons are reportedly bypassing official hospital procurement systems and sending patients to buy expensive surgical equipment from private vendors, often at inflated prices and with little transparency.
It begins with Amadu Sambo’s story: a man from the Volta Region who developed a brain tumour and was told by Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital that surgery was needed in India. He was referred to Ridge Hospital, where he was given a “specialised request form” listing high-tech equipment already owned by the hospital, which he shouldn’t have had to buy separately. He ended up spending over GHC 200,000 on surgery and recovery, wiping out his savings and livestock.
The piece explains that Ridge Hospital’s official process is for the hospital to procure implants and consumables on behalf of patients, but many surgeons allegedly avoid this system, instead issuing private pharmacy prescriptions directing patients to external vendors.
Another harrowing case involves Adebayo, a Nigerian patient, whose sister was instructed to purchase supplies from Axis Pharmacy, where prices allegedly jumped from GHC 7,000 to US $7,000 with no explanation, and where the pharmacy lacked licensing to import such equipment. After the surgery, Adebayo died, and his sister was hit with additional bills and no clear breakdown of costs.
Investigators and regulatory officials (like the Ghana Medical and Dental Council) described these practices as irregular, unprofessional, and potentially collusive, raising concerns about pricing inconsistencies, lack of accountability, foreign-currency pricing prohibited under Ghanaian law, and possible tax evasion.
Internal audits also reportedly found that some surgeons dealt directly with unapproved vendors, and attempts by reporters to interview hospital staff, including a neurosurgeon whose name appeared on the special forms, were stonewalled, even involving national security personnel.
The article concludes that patients in need of care are being financially exploited, often without knowing what they’re actually paying for, and calls for investigations by the Ministry of Health, professional councils, and law enforcement.
