Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has justified 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 handshake, which took place after a meeting with the hospital’s management, sparked public outrage when a video of the encounter went viral.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Mr. Akandoh clarified that the gesture was not a show of support for the alleged assault but rather a matter of courtesy in his capacity as a public official.
“After we finished the meeting with the hospital management, I put together a committee to investigate the matter in question.
“So, after that meeting, we came outside, and my attention was drawn to a gentleman who I was told was at the centre of the controversy,” he said.
He added, “So, on approaching me, I asked, ‘Why did you do what you did?’
When I asked, the gentleman stretched his hand, shook me, and attempted to whisper something into my ear.
At this point, should I push him away, snub him, or shout at him?
Even if that guy has been prosecuted and sentenced to life imprisonment, if he stretches his hand to shake me, as a minister and as a public officer, I must greet him back.”
On whether the handshake could be perceived as leniency, Mr. Akandoh clarified, “The fact that I shook hands with him does not mean I should stop any measures the ministry or government will take to unravel the situation.”
