A calculated efforts by some people to tarnish the good image of the Medical Director at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH) have backfired, with sources revealing a coordinated effort to undermine his leadership due to his efforts in combating corruption.
Insiders at the hospital and the Ministry of Health say that Dr. Armah, whose assumption of office in April 2024, is being targeted by individuals whose corrupt practices have been disrupted. The campaign, aimed at removing him from office, is allegedly fueled by his moves to eliminate financial waste and illicit activities within the hospital.
The Medical Director, based on information, has put a stop to their corrupt dealings, and they’re not happy about it,” a Health Ministry source stated. Another source highlighted Dr. Armah’s intervention in ending the practice of staff members directing patients to a specific private pharmacy, where exorbitant fees, sometimes reaching $7,000, were charged.
An investigative report, reportedly in the hands of authorities, outlines alleged questionable practices by some surgeons at Ridge Hospital. These include revenue losses from waived surgical fees, unpaid hospital bills despite implant payments, unauthorized implant procurement, and discrepancies between prescriptions and receipts. The report also references EOCO investigations into implicated officials, some of whom are now said to hold influential positions within the Ghana Health Service and are allegedly spearheading the campaign against Dr. Armah.
Allegations linking Dr. Armah to a controversial contract with Safe Africa Security Services Ltd. have been dismissed, given his appointment date of June 2024. Sources emphasize his implementation of stringent financial controls, which have resulted in substantial cost savings for the hospital.
Since his appointment, the medical director has reportedly implemented several reforms aimed at enhancing financial accountability, resulting in substantial savings for the hospital. Despite the attempts to discredit him, sources suggest his actions have garnered support from those who value transparency and ethical conduct within the healthcare system..
It is alledged that a group of individuals, both within and outside the hospital, is orchestrating a smear campaign against Dr. Armah, who assumed office in April 2024. These individuals, fearing exposure to their illicit activities, are reportedly attempting to have him removed from his position.
“The group is trying to get Dr. Armah out because he’s disrupting their corrupt practices,” a Ministry of Health source stated. Another insider highlighted Dr. Armah’s efforts to end patient extortion, enforce financial discipline, implement a transport policy, address staff misconduct that led to lawsuits, and halt questionable allowances as the driving force behind the backlash
It is noted that Dr. Armah has put a stop to patients being directed to a specific private pharmacy, where they were being charged exorbitant prices, sometimes as high as $7,000,” a source disclosed. “They’ve vowed to get rid of him to continue their schemes.
Concerns were also raised regarding the use of private pharmacy prescription pads for Ridge Hospital patients, with a source questioning the legitimacy of the practice.
An investigative report, seen by this reporter details alleged opaque practices by some surgeons at Ridge Hospital, including revenue losses from waived surgical fees, unpaid hospital bills despite implant payments, unauthorized implant procurement, and discrepancies between private pharmacy prescriptions and receipts. The report also cites EOCO investigations into implicated individuals.
Furthermore, allegations linking Dr. Armah to a questionable contract with Safe Africa Security Services Ltd. have been dismissed, given his appointment date of April 2024. Sources emphasize that Dr. Armah’s implementation of stringent financial controls has resulted in significant savings for the hospital.
The ongoing conflict highlights the resistance faced by those attempting to combat corruption within the healthcare system, as Dr. Armah’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability have triggered a coordinated attempt to discredit him.
EOCO chases corrupt elements at Ridge Hospital
Meanwhile, The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has shown keen interest in the activities of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), previously known as Ridge Hospital.
EOCO’s interest follows recent media exposé on the popular government hospital.
Sources at EOCO indicate that the investigative body is set to revive a “buried” case involving a top official at the Surgical Department of Ridge Hospital.
EOCO had initiated investigations into a case of suspected theft and/or extortion of patients at the Hospital from January to December 2023, involving some Staff Members and Staraid Care Limited. However, the case was suddenly put on hold for no apparent reason.
The sources say the new bosses at EOCO want to get to the bottom of the “abandoned” case, which was initiated on July 24, 2024, with a letter signed by Abdulsi Bashire Daphiah, then Deputy Executive Director /Operations of EOCO. The letter was addressed to the then Medical Director of the Ridge Hospital
The Ridge Hospital is back in the news again for the wrong reasons following a coordinated effort to undermine Rev. Dr. Ralph Armah, Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), who has vowed to stamp out corruption at the hospital
