GHS condemns recent attacks on staff, reaffirms commitment to safety

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has strongly condemned recent attacks on its staff, describing the incidents as deeply troubling and unacceptable, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of health workers and patients across the country.

In a statement signed by the Director-General, Dr Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Service noted that there had been repeated cases of aggression against health personnel as they carried out their professional duties.

One reported incident involved an unprovoked assault on nurses on duty at the Emergency Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. In another case at the same facility, a patient’s relative allegedly attacked a security officer who was enforcing visiting-hour regulations, causing the officer to lose consciousness. The officer had attempted to prevent the individual from entering the ward after official visiting hours.

GHS emphasised that, as an institution committed to delivering the highest standards of care and service, mutual respect between healthcare workers, patients, and visitors remains fundamental to its operations.

“While we will continue to strive to provide excellent care and service at all times, we equally expect that our staff will be treated with dignity and respect,” the statement said.

The Service expressed solidarity with its personnel, acknowledging their dedication and professionalism despite the growing challenges they face. It stressed that it would not condone any act that compromises the safety, well-being, or ability of staff to perform their duties effectively, and strongly denounced all forms of aggression, intimidation, or violence directed at health workers.

GHS further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within its facilities for both staff and patients. It added that it would continue to collaborate closely with relevant security agencies to strengthen protective measures and ensure that health facilities remain safe at all times.

“The safety of our team and those we serve remains our highest priority as a Service,” the statement concluded.

Source: GNA