The Ministry of Health has announced the formation of an investigative committee to probe allegations of patient exploitation at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), a hard-hitting exposé by investigative journalism outfit, The Fourth Estate.
The report, titled “Medical Kalabule: Inside Ridge Hospital’s System That Exploits Patients,” published on January 18-19, 2026, details what it describes as a “prescription scam” where surgeons allegedly direct patients to purchase expensive medical equipment and consumables from private pharmacies, even though similar or identical items, funded by the government, are available at the hospital.
In the piece, patients recount being forced to buy items such as neuronavigators, virtual reality systems, intra-operative neuromonitors, fluorescein dye, and endoscopic sets from specific vendors at inflated prices, sometimes quoted in US dollars in violation of Ghana’s foreign exchange regulations.
In a press release issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Ministry of Health acknowledged the widespread circulation of the Fourth Estate’s report on social media platforms and expressed deep concern and surprise at some of the revelations.
“The Ministry sympathises with patients and relatives who may have been subjected to any form of unprofessional conduct in any health facility across the country,” the statement read.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the stress and financial burden patients face in accessing healthcare, while describing the issues raised as “serious and deserving of thorough examination.”
Accordingly, the Ministry is in the process of constituting an investigative committee to look into the matter.
The committee is expected to submit its report within fourteen (14) working days.
“The Ministry expects the full cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, including The Fourth Estate, to help unravel the facts and provide additional details necessary to ensure accountability and improve service delivery within our health system,” the release added.
