Health Minister Defends Controversial Handshake With Ralph St. Williams: "I Have a Duty"
- The Minister of Health spoke on his much-criticised decision to shake hands with Ralph St. William at the Ridge Hospital
- The controversial Ghanaian political activist was accused of assaulting a nurse at the Ridge Hospital on August 18, 2025
- Kwabena Mintah Akandoh said that his cordial moment with Ralph St. William would not affect a probe into the matter
The Minister of Health has defended his decision to shake hands with Ralph St. Williams, who is accused of assaulting a nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
Addressing the press, Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh stressed that the cordial moment was not an endorsement of the fracas allegedly caused by the social activist.
Source: Facebook
The minister was heavily criticised by health workers after the handshake.
Akandoh explained that during his visit to the hospital to discuss issues about security, he found himself in a position where he came into contact with Ralph St. William and could not rebuff him.
“After we finished the meeting with the hospital management, I put together a committee to investigate the matter in question. So, after that meeting, we came outside, and my attention was drawn to a gentleman who I was told was at the centre of the controversy."
“So, on approaching me, I asked, ‘Why did you do what you did?’ When I asked, the gentleman stretched his hand, shook me, and attempted to whisper something into my ear. At this point, should I push him away, snub him, or shout at him? Even if that guy has been prosecuted and sentenced to life imprisonment, if he stretches his hand to shake me, as a minister and as a public officer, I have a duty to greet him back.”
Akandoh stressed that the cordial moment did not supersede the government's bid for accountability.
There is currently a committee in place to investigate the alleged assault.
“That is the most important aspect, and for me at this point is to reiterate to the whole country that irrespective of the level of provocation at any health facility in this country, nobody has the right to attack any health professional in this country.”
What did Ralph St Williams allegedly do?
Ralph St Williams confronted the health workers saying they were not proactive enough. In a rant during the incident, he said:
"There should be a sense of urgency, please. How can you tell me we can't give you pressure because this is Ghana? It hurts."
The Greater Accra Regional Hospital released CCTV footage of the incident, which Ralph St Williams challenged.
He shared a video of himself conversing with the nurse who was reported to have been attacked on August 18 at the Emergency Unit of the hospital.
Source: Getty Images
Health Ministry condemns Ralph St Williams
YEN.com.gh also reported that the Minister of Health had condemned the alleged attack on health professionals at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital by firebrand activist Ralph St Williams.
In a statement the ministry called his reportedy conduct on August 18 an unfortunate act of interference that threatened the safety of health professionals, and announced plans to beef up its security.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
