Coordinated plot to oust Ridge Hospital director over anti-corruption drive uncovered

A coordinated campaign aims to discredit Rev. Dr. Ralph Armah, the Medical Director of Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge). This follows his efforts to expose corruption within the facility.

Dr. Armah was appointed in April 2024. Since then, he has faced intense pressure and attacks from various individuals. Many believe these attacks are part of a smear campaign to remove him from office.

Sources in the Ministry of Health confirm that the backlash is due to Dr. Armah’s reforms. He is enforcing accountability, financial discipline, and ending patient extortion. A senior ministry official stated, “They’re trying to get him out because he’s disrupting their corrupt practices.”

Under Dr. Armah's leadership, several key changes have been made. He stopped redirecting patients to a private pharmacy with high fees—reportedly up to $7,000—and enforced hospital-prescribed medications.

He also addressed staff misconduct and revised hospital transport policies. Questionable allowances were suspended, and strict financial controls improved the hospital’s fiscal health significantly.

Concerns have arisen about using private pharmacy prescription pads for Ridge Hospital patients. Insiders say Dr. Armah is actively investigating this issue.

An internal report outlines irregularities like revenue losses from waived surgical fees and unpaid bills despite implant payments. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is reportedly probing some of these practices.

Claims linking Dr. Armah to a controversial contract with Safe Africa Security Services Ltd. have been debunked; he was not in office when it was signed.

Despite the smear campaign, Dr. Armah’s reforms led to a financial turnaround at Ridge Hospital. The hospital went from a net current asset deficit of over GHS 16 million in April 2024 to a positive net current asset of GHS 992,051 by December 31, 2024.

By the end of 2024, Ridge Hospital achieved an operational surplus of GHS 6 million.

Quarterly Revenue Growth:

- Q1: GHS 21,044,779
- Q2: GHS 21,618,634
- Q3: GHS 22,329,025
- Q4: GHS 23,302,438

Cost-Saving and Staff-Oriented Measures:

Dr. Armah implemented several cost-cutting initiatives:

1. Salary Adjustment for Non-Mechanized Staff: In June 2024, staff received overdue salary increases.

2. Fuel & Vehicle Monitoring: Electronic monitoring reduced fuel misuse while keeping costs stable.

3. Vehicle Maintenance: Scheduled movement and preventive maintenance lowered repair costs significantly.

4. Water Supply Reform: A new water system eliminated costly external water tankers.

5. Staff Welfare Enhancement: Increased expenditures supported health initiatives and appreciation packages for staff.

Despite challenges, Dr. Armah's leadership has brought transparency and efficiency to Ridge Hospital but continues to threaten powerful interests invested in corruption.