Following the publication of the damning report on massive corruption allegedly involved top management and nurses at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) also known as Ridge Hospital, calls for urgent action are growing louder.
The investigative body that released the report with copies of contracts made available to ModernGhana News has laid out a series of recommendations aimed at restoring GARH to its former glory and safeguarding its future. Chief among these is the immediate termination of the questionable contracts with Refuah Ltd, Riverwoods Medical Equipment and Dialysis Company Ltd, and Safe Africa Security Services Ltd.
The report also demands the interdiction of Giscard Opoku Ware, the head of the Billing Department, and the nurses involved in the financial misappropriations. According to the investigation, these individuals have been siphoning off thousands of cedis, compromising the hospital’s financial integrity. Despite recommendations from the Disciplinary Committee to reshuffle the staff involved, they remain in their positions, continuing to undermine the hospital’s financial stability.
Additionally, the investigation has called for the suspension of Rev. Dr. Ralph Armah and other implicated officials. The Medical Director’s continued approval of fraudulent contracts, despite clear evidence of their dubious nature, points to a grave failure in leadership and a disregard for the hospital’s wellbeing. The recommendation to suspend him is an essential step in ensuring an impartial investigation and preventing further damage.
The report also urges the procurement of new medical equipment to eliminate GARH’s reliance on companies like Refuah Ltd. The continued use of faulty equipment not only compromises patient care but also contributes to the financial losses that have plagued the hospital for years. A forensic audit into the hospital’s finances, particularly in the Billing Department, is also essential to uncover the full extent of the corruption that has undermined the hospital’s operations.
The financial damage caused by these corrupt practices is not just a number on a balance sheet; it has real-world consequences for the people of Ghana. As the report reveals, the hospital’s financial decline has directly impacted its ability to provide quality healthcare services. The imaging department, which once generated significant revenue, now faces a sharp decline in income, while corrupt contracts continue to drain the hospital’s coffers.
In response to the report, there have been calls for a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities, including the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, and national security. The President, Chief of Staff, and the Minister of Health have all been urged to take immediate action to ensure that those responsible for the fraudulent activities are held accountable.
As Ghana grapples with the fallout from this scandal, the question remains: How many more institutions are suffering from similar corruption, and when will the leadership take decisive action to restore integrity to the country’s healthcare system? The report has set the stage for what could become one of the most significant corruption investigations in Ghana’s history. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of GARH and whether the healthcare system as a whole can recover from the damage caused by those entrusted with its care.
