An accident victim who had been unable to leave the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi for almost five months over an outstanding medical bill of GH¢39,000 has been released following intervention by the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson.
The Minister paid the full amount owed by Emmanuel Etroo and has further committed GH¢11,000 towards his fifth surgery, which doctors believe could improve his mobility.
Mr Etroo, a rubber tapper, was involved in a serious accident on February 15, 2026, when a Sprinter vehicle reportedly knocked him off his motorbike at Ewusiejoe on the Takoradi-Agona road.
The accident left his right leg severely fractured, requiring several surgical procedures. Although the driver initially promised to cover his medical expenses, he was unable to meet the cost.
His first surgery alone cost GH¢15,500. After four operations, Mr Etroo was left with mounting medical bills and the need for another surgery, leaving him at the hospital for months.
His situation came to public attention after Linda Otoo, a Public Health Nurse at the hospital, sought financial assistance for him on social media.
The appeal caught the attention of the Western Regional Minister, who visited Mr Etroo on Sunday, August 23, and subsequently settled the outstanding bill.
Explaining his decision to intervene, Mr Nelson said he was touched by the patient’s plight after seeing the social media appeal.
“When I came across the appeal on social media, I felt that this was something I needed to intervene in. No patient should have to remain in hospital simply because they cannot afford to pay their medical bills.
“I have decided to take care of the GH¢11,000 for his next surgery as well. I will also look at how we can support other patients who find themselves in similar situations,” he said in an interview with Accra-based Channel One TV.
Mr Etroo expressed appreciation to the Minister for helping him after months of uncertainty.
“I have prayed and waited for help for a long time. I am very grateful to the Minister for coming to my aid. I will forever be thankful to him.”
Ms Otoo said a group of nurses at the hospital regularly contributes towards the medical bills of patients who are unable to pay.
However, she said Mr Etroo’s bill had become too large for the group to handle, prompting her to seek assistance from the public after obtaining his consent.
“We have a group of nurses who normally come together to support patients who cannot afford their bills, but Emmanuel’s case was overwhelming. That was why, with his consent, I decided to appeal to social media,” she noted.
She expressed gratitude to the Western Regional Minister for responding to the appeal and helping to secure Mr Etroo’s release.
The Shift-in-Charge of the Effia-Nkwanta Male Surgical Ward, Alfred Acquah Asiedu, also welcomed the intervention, saying it had brought relief to both the patient and health workers who had followed his case.
“We are very grateful to the Minister for bringing joy to Emmanuel and also to the health personnel who have been worried about his situation. His release is a great relief to all of us.”
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