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By Edward Graham Sebbie
A nurse at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital has filed a lawsuit against her alleged attacker, intensifying public debate over workplace safety for healthcare workers in Ghana.
Rejoice Tsotsoo Bortei, a nurse at the facility, has accused Ralph Saint Williams, popularly known as Ralph De Fellow Ghanaian, of physically assaulting her while she was on duty. The confrontation reportedly followed what the accused perceived as the nurse and her colleagues reluctance to attend to a patient in urgent need of care.
While Ms. Bortei maintains that she was assaulted, Mr. Williams has denied the charge, insisting he never touched the nurse but only demanded that she respond swiftly to the emergency.
The incident, which gained widespread attention earlier this month, prompted the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to threaten a nationwide strike if authorities failed to ensure justice. The General Secretary of the association, in reacting to the matter, used strong language against the Health Minister — remarks that drew mixed reactions from the public.
In response to the growing tension, the Minister of Health set up a committee within 24 hours of the incident to investigate the matter.
Despite the probe, Ms. Bortei on Friday, August 23, 2025, officially filed a lawsuit against Mr. Williams, charging him with assault under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act (Act 29 of 1960). If convicted, the accused could face up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. Courts also have the discretion to order compensation for the victim or impose probation.
Legal observers say the court action marks the real beginning of the case, which pits conflicting claims against one another and could set an important precedent for the protection of frontline health workers.
The matter is now before the courts, and its outcome is being closely monitored by medical professionals, civil society groups, and the general public.
