A coordinated scheme to remove the Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), Rev. Dr. Ralph Armah, has come to light as sources say corrupt elements are fighting back against reforms he has introduced since assuming office in April 2024.
Multiple insiders within the Ministry of Health and the hospital say Dr. Armah has become the target of a calculated smear campaign by individuals both within and outside the hospital who fear exposure. His efforts to root out corruption and enforce accountability have reportedly disrupted entrenched interests, prompting a backlash.
“He is being attacked because he’s blocking their money-making schemes,” – a source close to the matter said.
Among Dr. Armah’s reforms are a crackdown on patient extortion, the elimination of dubious allowances, the introduction of strict financial controls, a transport policy to reduce fuel misuse, and disciplinary actions against staff misconduct. His administration also stopped the routine practice of directing patients to a private pharmacy that allegedly charged exorbitant fees—some as high as $7,000.
Concerns were also raised about the use of prescription pads from private pharmacies for hospital patients—a move questioned by observers and flagged in internal reports.
A confidential investigative report available details worrying trends, including:
- Unexplained waivers of surgical fees
- Unpaid hospital bills after implants were inserted
- Unauthorized implant purchases
- Prescription and receipt mismatches at private pharmacies
Some individuals have been linked to these irregularities, with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) reportedly investigating aspects of the matter.
Efforts to smear Dr. Armah have also included attempts to link him to a controversial contract with Safe Africa Security Services Ltd.—claims that have been debunked since the contract predates his appointment.
Instead, Dr. Armah’s leadership has seen significant financial gains. Hospital records show an impressive turnaround from a negative net asset of GH¢16.1 million in April 2024 to a positive GH¢992,000 by December 2024, with an operational surplus of over GH¢6 million.
Key achievements under his leadership include:
- A salary increase for long-neglected non-mechanized staff
- A sharp drop in vehicle maintenance and fuel costs through electronic monitoring
- Elimination of water tanker purchases after the implementation of a sustainable in-house water supply system
- Increased staff welfare support and health referral packages
Sources close to the Medical Director say while the attacks are intense, he remains focused on cleaning up Ridge Hospital and restoring public trust.
“This is what happens when you take on a system built on years of rot,” a senior health official remarked.
“But the numbers don’t lie. Dr. Armah’s leadership is delivering real results.”
As tensions grow, observers say the situation at Ridge underscores a broader challenge: the price of reform in Ghana’s public institutions, and the urgent need for state protection for individuals fighting systemic corruption.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com