The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) has called on the Ghana Police Service to expedite action in arresting Ralph Saint Williams and his accomplices, who allegedly attacked a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital).
In a statement jointly signed and issued by the President and General Secretary, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and David Tenkorang-Twum, the association said swift action would not only serve as a deterrent to others but also restore confidence among nurses and other health workers who had been left traumatised by the incident.
The national executive committee of the association, in a meeting on August 21, 2025, to deliberate on the matter, said it was satisfied with the initial steps taken by the police and management of the facility.
However, it insisted that more concrete measures were needed to guarantee the safety of health workers.
“We hold dear our nurses and midwives and respect the mandate they have entrusted us with.
The leadership of the association will continue to serve their interest and protect them within the confines of the Constitution of Ghana, the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) and the GRNMA Constitution,” the statement assured.
The association pledged its commitment to patients, both inpatients and outpatients, stressing that the unfortunate development would not affect the continuous provision of nursing and midwifery services at Ridge Hospital.
It, however, urged the management of the hospital to provide psychological support for the affected nurse and intensify staff training on coping mechanisms.
Calling for broader systemic changes, the association appealed to employers to strengthen security at all health facilities across the country and assured stakeholders of its readiness to partner government in building a more resilient health system.
The statement further urged the public to respect health workers and the health space within which they operated, noting that the sector was already saddled with workforce gaps, inadequate logistics, and outdated equipment.
“Health workers need the full cooperation of the public to deliver quality and safe care,” the statement emphasised.
Background
The incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital occurred when a nurse on duty was allegedly assaulted by a man identified as Ralph Saint Williams.
It left the nurse with injuries and scared the staff, who described the experience as traumatic and unsettling.
The case was promptly reported to the police, who have since taken up the matter.
According to the GRNMA, some initial arrests had been made, but the key suspect, Ralph Saint Williams, remained at large.
The police have given an assurance that investigations are ongoing and that the matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.
Hospital authorities have condemned the incident and confirmed that the affected nurse is receiving medical attention.
The GRNMA has also entreated the hospital authorities to provide additional psychological support for her recovery and to review security arrangements at the facility.
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns about the safety of health workers in the country.
