Ridge hospital attacker not linked to NDC – Deputy NIA CEO

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru, has denied allegations that social media activist Ralph St. William, identified as the assailant of health workers at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), has ties to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He stated that such assertions are politically driven and could distract the public from the gravity of the assault on health workers, which ought to be addressed strictly as a legal issue rather than a political one.

During an appearance on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, August 21, Alhaji Nasiru remarked that efforts to link the suspect, who has not yet been apprehended, to the NDC are baseless and misleading.

“The gentleman involved has no link with the NDC as a political party, [it] is a fact. Let us not add to our conversation. He is not an NDC affiliate. Everybody knows his political lineage as a political activist.

“The incident is very unfortunate, and the arrest when it happens will be welcome news, because none of us wants to witness such scenes, especially when we want to move the country forward,” he stated.

His clarification comes after a viral video captured relatives of an accident victim clashing with emergency staff at Ridge Hospital over alleged delays in treatment. Ralph St. William was identified as one of those who assaulted health professionals during the altercation.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that one individual has already been arrested in connection with the attack, while efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspect.

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has since set up a committee to investigate the assault, giving it a one-week deadline to present its findings. His visit to the hospital and interaction with parties involved has sparked debate, with critics questioning his role in the investigations.

In response, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Goodman, defended the Minister, insisting that his swift action demonstrated leadership and commitment to protecting health workers.

Meanwhile, the incident has reignited calls for stricter security measures at health facilities to ensure the safety of medical professionals in the discharge of their duties.