The Ministry of Health has formally handed over the case of an elderly woman who died after being allegedly abandoned in a bush at Ojobi to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Attorney-General’s Department for further investigation.
This follows initial findings by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), which revealed misconduct by some staff members of the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba.
The Ministry’s decision stems from the severity of the incident, which involved the tragic loss of life. The Honourable Minister for Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, directed that the case be forwarded for further scrutiny by law enforcement authorities.
“The Honourable Minister for Health has directed that the conduct of certain officials at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba be reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Attorney General’s Department,” the Ministry disclosed in a statement.
This directive comes on the back of the GHS’s investigative committee report, which recommended disciplinary action against the hospital staff involved in the patient’s evacuation. The patient, who had been treated for fractures in both legs, was transported to Gomoa Ojobi, where she was later found abandoned, leading to her untimely death.
The Ministry, however, believes that the matter warrants further investigation due to its gravity. “In light of the gravity of the issue captured in the report, involving the loss of life, further investigations should be carried out by the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister for Justice,” the statement continued.
The Ministry has also reached out to the Attorney-General’s Department, requesting an extensive probe to determine the level of culpability of the hospital staff and to recommend appropriate legal action.
“This matter has also been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID),” the Ministry reiterated.
In the meantime, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, has taken preliminary action by suspending the Director of the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba and forming a committee to investigate the hospital’s role in the patient’s care and subsequent death.
In his report on the case, the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Prah George Kwame, explained that the elderly woman had been admitted to the hospital after sustaining fractures and had received treatment, including the application of Plaster of Paris (POP) casts to both legs. The hospital took full care of her, including feeding, medication, and housekeeping during her stay.
Following six days of treatment, the patient was discharged in good condition, and it was agreed with the social welfare officer from Ojobi that she would be returned to her hometown. The hospital arranged an ambulance and ensured she was clothed and accompanied by a social worker for the journey back.
“Medical records confirm the patient was well cared for and discharged in a stable condition,” Dr. Kwame noted in his report.
Despite these arrangements, the elderly woman was allegedly abandoned upon reaching Gomoa Ojobi, leading to her death shortly after.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the recommendations from the GHS committee and assured the public that it is dedicated to delivering quality healthcare.
“The Ministry will continue to provide updates on the progress of the investigation as they become available,” it added.
