Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
The General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang, has taken a swipe at the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, following the minister’s comments on the recent violent incident at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, popularly known as Ridge.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Dr. Tenkorang dismissed as “senseless” suggestions by the Ministry of Health that the assault on caregivers at Ridge may have been triggered by delays in attending to a patient.
He argued that such claims betrayed a lack of understanding of how healthcare delivery works, particularly the triage system that guides the prioritisation of patients based on the severity of their conditions.
“The most disgusting and infuriating thing is the second point; the minister should know that there are systems over there. If he doesn’t understand, he should get somebody to educate him on the triage system. It is such that you can’t say because you are the first person to show up, you should be taken care of,” Dr. Tenkorang stated.
He explained that caregivers always assess patients upon arrival to determine whether their cases require immediate intervention or can be managed later.
“That statement does not make sense to me at all; it doesn’t make sense. Whoever wrote that statement doesn’t even understand the hospital system. Why? Is he a farmer? What kind of life is that?” he added.
Dr. Tenkorang’s outburst followed an incident on Monday when activist Ralph St. Williams, accompanied by a group of individuals, allegedly attacked health professionals at Ridge Hospital after accusing them of delaying emergency care.
Minister Defends
In a swift response, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh dismissed suggestions that his farming background makes him unqualified to head the Health Ministry.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, the minister downplayed the criticisms, insisting that the notion that only medical professionals can serve as health ministers is misplaced.
“I have been reminded that I am a farmer. Yes, nobody needs to remind me. I am a proud farmer, and everybody knows it. Until my appointment, I was one of the largest rice farmers in this country. I am proud of that,” Mr. Akandoh said.
He stressed that his focus remains on addressing systemic challenges in Ghana’s health sector rather than engaging in personal attacks.
“Please, we have a lot to deliver, and some of these things will not divert our attention. We will continue to do our best for mother Ghana,” he added.
A Daily Guide Report