A 38-year-old packaging worker, who was knocked down by a minivan while on his way to work, is now grappling with double agony, first as an unconscious patient and then with a GH¢450,000 outstanding medical bill to settle.
Michael Yaw Oduro remains unconscious after his release from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Accra Medical Centre after four months of care at the private facility in Accra, where the GH¢450,000 medical bill accrued.
The hospital released the unconscious patient to his family as the outstanding medical bill mounted, with the prospect of a legal suit looming over the outstanding medical bill.
While he is currently undergoing rehabilitation under the care of a critical care nurse, Oduro’s family head, Isaac Adu, has appealed for support from the public to enable the family to settle the bill.
What happened?
On the fateful morning of July 3, 2025, the father of two, Oduro, was hit by a minivan owned by the Adwenpa Transport, shattering the hopes of his young family.
Just the night before, he had been filled with anticipation over a promotion discussion with his boss, but now, his children — only nine and six-year-olds — face an uncertain future.
When the incident happened, the Adwenpa Transport Service minivan driver took him to the LEKMA Hospital.
Oduro suffered head injuries, chest trauma and multiple fractures in the accident.
Upon recommendation by the LEKMA Hospital, the victim was transferred to the Accra Medical Centre.
At the Accra Medical Centre, Oduro’s employer and a family member of the victim hurriedly signed the needed documents for Oduro to be attended to due to the urgency of the situation.
Adwenpa Transport made an initial deposit of GH¢130,000 for his treatment, while the employer contributed GH¢60,000.
After spending two weeks in the ICU, Oduro was moved to the High Dependency Unit (HDU).
By that time, his medical expenses had surged to GH¢200,000.
Consequently, various stakeholders, including Oduro’s family head, Mr Adu, his mother, representatives from Adwenpa Transport, his employer and the hospital’s management, convened to address the escalating costs.
During the meeting, it was proposed that Oduro be transferred to a public hospital, preferably Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where treatment costs would be more manageable.
Although a transfer request was initiated by Adwenpa, they have yet to secure a bed for him, reportedly due to an alleged dispute among the hospital, family, and Adwenpa Transport.
Currently, the transport company claims the family rejected a proposed transfer to a public hospital, where the medical bills were expected to be relatively cheaper, complicating the situation.
Oduro's family is pressing Adwenpa Transport to cover the costs.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Adu expressed the family's inability to settle the bills and emphasised the need for Adwenpa Transport to take responsibility.
Reactions
A representative of Adwenpa Transport, Joshua Ayitey Aryertey, who confirmed the incident, declined to comment on the matter, citing legal implications when contacted by the Daily Graphic.
However, the Daily Graphic can confirm that lawyers for the transport company have written to the hospital stating that they are not under any obligation to cover the medical bills because they did not sign the documents allowing the Accra Medical Centre to attend to the victim.
The Finance Director of the Accra Medical Centre declined to comment, citing an ongoing legal suit against Adwenpa Transport.
The situation has left Oduro’s family desperate to settle the medical bills.
