The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has voiced strong condemnation of a recent attack on healthcare professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in Ridge. They described the incident as a blatant act of lawlessness that jeopardises the safety of health workers and disrupts emergency services.
The attack, which was captured in a viral video, showed relatives of an accident victim clashing with emergency staff over perceived delays in treatment. The situation escalated into verbal aggression and culminated in the physical assault of a nurse, prompting hospital management to call in the Ghana Police Service to restore order.
In a statement released on August 19, 2025, and signed by National Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Owusu Owiafe and General Secretary Frederick Yiadom Darfour, GHOSPA expressed that they were “dismayed and profoundly indignant” over the viral video depicting the assault on hospital staff.
“Pharmacists, alongside doctors, nurses, midwives, and all health workers, are dedicated to the sacred duty of saving lives and ensuring the well-being of all Ghanaians. Our healthcare facilities are zones of healing, not battlegrounds for thuggery,” the Association stressed.
GHOSPA expressed alarm that such violent incidents are becoming increasingly common, warning that impunity and the perceived endorsement of perpetrators by some public figures could erode the morale of already vulnerable health professionals.
The Association demanded:
Immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the attack.
Enhanced security measures at Ridge Hospital, particularly at the Emergency Unit, to safeguard staff and patients.
Comprehensive support—medical, psychological, and legal—for healthcare workers affected by the assault.
A clear ministerial condemnation from the government, reaffirming its commitment to protecting health professionals.
GHOSPA reiterated its solidarity with all health workers across the country, emphasizing that the safety of healthcare providers is non-negotiable.
“We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to providing continuous pharmaceutical care, but this must be done in an environment that is safe and secure for both providers and recipients of healthcare,” the statement concluded.
Source: William Narh
