The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has defended his decision to shake hands with Ralph St. William, the social media activist accused of assaulting a health worker at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.
The gesture drew public criticism after a video showed the minister warmly greeting the alleged perpetrator shortly after a meeting with hospital management over the incident.
Addressing the press on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Mr. Akandoh clarified that the handshake was not an endorsement of the alleged assault but rather an act of courtesy expected of a public official.
He explained that after inquiring about the activist’s actions, Mr. St. William extended his hand.
“At that point, should I push him away, snub him, or shout at him? Even if he had been sentenced to life imprisonment, as a minister and a public officer, I have a duty to greet him back,” he stated.
The Health Minister stressed that the gesture does not in any way compromise government efforts to ensure accountability, confirming that a committee has been set up to investigate the matter.
He assured the public that appropriate action will be taken once the committee presents its findings.
Source: Adomonline
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