after investigative exposé
By Gifty Boateng
The Ministry of Health has been compelled to launch a rapid inquiry following a damning investigative report that alleges systemic patient exploitation at the prestigious Ridge Hospital (Greater Accra Regional Hospital).
The exposé by the investigative outlet The Fourth Estate details a pattern of being forced to purchase expensive, non-standard surgical supplies from a specific private pharmacy, a practice insiders labelled “medical kalabule” (a local term for profiteering).
The Ministry, headed by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, announced it is “in the process of constituting an investigative committee,” pledging a report within 14 working days.
In a statement, spokesperson Tony Goodman expressed that the Ministry was “deeply concerned and surprised by some of the revelations,” admitting the issues “deserve thorough examination.” The Ministry also extended sympathy to affected patients, reiterating the government’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs.
However, the delayed and reactive nature of the response has raised questions. The allegations centre on practices that sources suggest are not isolated.
The investigation documented the case of Amadu Sambo, a 52-year-old cattle owner who sold his entire herd to fund brain tumour surgery at Ridge Hospital.
Despite the procedure taking place at the public facility, Mr. Sambo was allegedly directed to purchase over GH¢200,000 worth of specialised surgical equipment and supplies from the privately-owned Axis Pharmacy items typically provided by the hospital itself.
In another case, the family of a Nigerian patient, Adebayor, was reportedly given a list including items like a “Brain Stem Neuronavigator” to buy from the same pharmacy. A family member, Perfect, stated the quoted price changed from 7,000 Cedis to $7,000 between inquiries. Under duress, with her brother’s life at stake, she paid. The patient later died from a post-operative infection.
Medical practitioners consulted by the investigators expressed shock, calling the demands “irregular” and “unacceptable,” confirming they deviated from standard public hospital protocol.
The report suggests a possible kickback scheme, where medical staff or administrators receive incentives for directing patients to a particular vendor, significantly inflating out-of-pocket costs for vulnerable individuals.
The Ministry’s promised probe now faces a critical test of its independence and resolve. Key questions remain: Will the committee have the mandate and political backing to trace the financial relationships between hospital staff and the named pharmacy?
Will it examine senior management’s oversight or possible complicity? Or will the investigation result in limited disciplinary action against junior staff, leaving the underlying profit structure intact?
This scandal strikes at the heart of public trust in Ghana’s healthcare system. It highlights how opaque, informal costs can cripple families even within state-funded institutions, undermining the government’s flagship policy of reducing financial barriers to care.
The swiftness and transparency of the Ministry’s next steps will determine whether this is a genuine move toward accountability or merely damage control in the face of embarrassing publicity.