The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has strongly condemned the recent takeover of the Northern Regional Hospital by local youth, warning that such actions put lives at serious risk.
In footage circulating online, angry residents were seen barricading the Outpatients Department and locking administrative offices, including that of the Medical Director, while accusing hospital management of mismanagement.
The GMA described the acts as “lawless” and emphasized that endangering patients, staff, and hospital property is unacceptable. The association has called on security authorities to identify and arrest those responsible.
Highlighting a worrying trend, the GMA noted that increasing incidents of youth groups forcibly entering health facilities threaten both patient care and the safety of medical staff. It urged traditional leaders to intervene, advising youth to pursue complaints through proper channels instead of resorting to violence.
The association stressed that hospitals have established processes for addressing grievances about management or service delivery, which must be followed to maintain safety and order.
Additionally, the GMA called on the Ghana Health Service to ensure the protection of the Medical Director and all staff members while addressing any concerns. It warned that the situation is being closely monitored and that decisive measures will be taken if threats to hospital workers continue.
