A coordinated effort to undermine Rev. Dr. Ralph Armah, Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), has been uncovered. He faces retaliation for his efforts to expose corruption.
Sources reveal 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 of their illicit activities, are reportedly attempting to have him removed from his position.
“They’re trying to get him 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.
“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 news outlet, 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.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
