The Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Goodman, has come to the defense of Health Minister, Kwabena Akandoh, amid criticism over his cordial handshake with the alleged attacker of a nurse at Ridge Hospital.
The backlash followed a viral video showing relatives of an accident victim clashing with emergency staff over treatment delays, leading to an alleged physical assault on a nurse by social media activist Ralph St William.
In the aftermath, Minister Akandoh visited the hospital, assuring management that perpetrators would face justice and pledging to boost security. However, footage of the minister shaking hands with Ralph St William sparked public criticism. In an interview on Citi Breakfast Show on August 20, 2025, which was monitored by Ghanaian Radar.com, Mr. Tony Goodman urged Ghanaians to consider the minister’s overall actions rather than focusing on the handshake alone.
“If we pick bits and pieces of the fact and put it as though shaking somebody in the hospital is all there is to this matter, or it is all that the minister has done, it is not fair,” Mr. Goodman said. He explained that upon arrival, Mr. Akandoh directed hospital management to ensure medical care for affected staff, engaged police, and stressed the need for extra security. Mr. Akandoh also ordered the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, but Ralph St William had fled before police arrived.
“On his way, a gentleman came. We cannot say that he knew him. He was later informed by the hospital management that the said gentleman was the perpetrator. The police arrived, and the guy fled; his accomplice was arrested. The minister’s words were clear—‘get the guy arrested,’” Goodman clarified. He added that Mr. Akandoh publicly condemned the attack and ensured investigations were underway, showing leadership and commitment to justice.
“I am sure we should commend the minister for this, not chastise him for a handshake,” Goodman concluded.
Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
