Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and member of the committee set up to probe the alleged assault at Ridge Hospital, Tony Goodman, has clarified that investigations revealed Rejoice Tsotso Bortei, a rotation nurse at the facility, was not physically assaulted, contrary to her claims.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, August 27, he explained that while the probe confirmed a heated confrontation, there was no evidence of a physical attack.
“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,” he said.
Goodman emphasised that the committee undertook extensive work before reaching its conclusion, stressing that the team is confident in the accuracy of its judgment.
The committee, which was set up by the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, also found no medical evidence to support the nurse’s claim that she suffered a shoulder dislocation during the incident.
Medical records reviewed by the probe team indicated there was no fracture or dislocation documented, although Bortei was treated for pain, prescribed relief medication, and recommended for rest and psychological support.
The findings contradict earlier reports suggesting she sustained a dislocation from the alleged assault. The incident, captured in a viral video showing relatives of a patient clashing with hospital staff, sparked widespread public concern about the safety of health workers at Ridge Hospital.
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 for alleged physical assault and defamation linked to the incident.
