Ridge Hospital: Alleged Corrupt elements gang up against Medical Director

 

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.

 

Below are excerpts of financial achievements: 

Financial Achievement

Before After

Description

April 10, 2024

Dec 31, 2024

Cash 

           (614,432.34)

       4,868,775.56 

Inventory

         5,695,413.78 

       8,015,700.11 

Receivables 

      14,971,375.12 

    16,165,359.59 

Liabilities

      36,171,803.09 

    28,057,783.94 

Net Current Asset 

   (16,119,446.53)

            992,051.32 

 

 

 

Details

1st Qtr

2nd Qtr

3rd Qtr

4th Qtr

Revenue

      21,044,779.45 

    21,618,634.36 

      22,329,024.72 

    23,302,437.98 

 Monthly paid & casual labour 

              853,167.16 

       1,281,504.73 

         1,140,253.34 

       1,056,622.99 

Staff Welfare Expenses

                 33,426.75 

               49,111.98 

             242,386.08 

       1,220,204.00 

Water Tanker

              884,300.00 

            219,600.00 

                48,347.00 

                                  -   

Fuel & Lubricants - Official Vehicles

              206,944.53 

            147,200.00 

             179,128.20 

           186,440.00 

 Maintenance & Repairs - Official Vehicles 

              192,554.51 

            111,169.41 

                48,919.27 

              70,666.88 

 

 

 

Operational surplus of 6million cedis for the year ending 2024 

Monthly Pay For Non-Mechanized Staff

To mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living, management approved a salary increase for Non-Mechanized Staff in June 2024. These employees had not received any compensation adjustments for several years. This proactive decision was made to enhance staff welfare, boost motivation, and improve productivity—ensuring that our Non-Controller Staff remain committed and dedicated to their roles.

 

 Fuel & Lubricants – Official Vehicles

In spite of the persistent increase in the cost of fuel nationwide, management has managed to steadily reduce expenditure on fuel (use electronic card and not coupons to enhance electronic monitoring) and lubricants. This has led stricter monitoring of vehicle usage, improved scheduling, and prioritization of essential trips. As reflected in the quarterly trend, the costs have been maintained within a sustainable range without compromising service delivery.

 

Maintenance & Repairs – Official Vehicles

Management has ensured that vehicle movement for official duties strictly follows approved schedules. Routine assessments and timely maintenance have also been institutionalized. These measures have led to a significant drop in repair costs, especially evident in the third and fourth quarters, where preventive maintenance has replaced costly breakdown repairs.

 

Purchase of Water

Previously, the hospital relied heavily on external water supply services to address persistent water rationing, resulting in high and unsustainable expenses. Upon assumption of office, a comprehensive sustainable water scheme was undertaken and a long-term solution was implemented. This strategic move has eliminated the need for recurrent external water purchases, as seen by the absence of spending in the fourth quarter, thus ensuring uninterrupted access to water while reducing costs.

 

Staff Welfare 

Staff welfare remains a top priority for management. The increase in related expenditure is a direct result of our commitment to supporting employees' well-being, including full support for health referrals to tertiary institutions and the provision of end-of-year appreciation packages. These initiatives aim to foster a healthy, motivated, and dedicated workforce.