Ridge Hospital assault suspect has no ties to NDC – NIA Deputy CEO

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Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru, has dismissed claims that Ralph St. William the social media activist identified as a suspect in the assault on health workers at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) is affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

He described such claims as politically motivated, stressing that the incident should be addressed strictly as a law-and-order issue rather than being dragged into partisan politics.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, August 21, Alhaji Nasiru emphasized that attempts to link the suspect to the NDC were misleading.

“The gentleman involved has no link with the NDC as a political party; that is a fact. He is not an NDC affiliate. Everyone knows his political background as an activist,” he clarified.

The deputy NIA boss also condemned the attack, calling it “unfortunate,” and said the suspect’s eventual arrest would be welcome news.

The clarification follows a viral video showing relatives of an accident victim clashing with emergency staff at Ridge Hospital over alleged delays in treatment. Ralph St. William was identified among those who assaulted health workers during the altercation.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that one suspect has already been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining individuals. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has set up a committee to investigate the incident, tasking it to submit a report within one week.

While critics have questioned the Minister’s involvement, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Tony Goodman, defended the move, insisting it reflected strong leadership and commitment to protecting frontline health workers.

The attack has renewed calls for tighter security at health facilities to safeguard medical staff and ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.