Accra: The management of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has reacted to the allegations made against the hospital by Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson following the demise of his mother, who was receiving medical attention at the hospital.
According to Ghana Web, in a statement issued on August 5, 2026, the management indicated that while it sympathizes with Michael Blackson and his family, the allegations he made on social media are false. The statement emphasized that the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contain numerous inaccuracies and do not accurately reflect the events that transpired in the provision of medical care to his 83-year-old mother, who was referred to UGMC from a peripheral hospital and stayed from May 27 to July 16, 2026.
The hospital statement said it would refrain from responding to the direct allegations made by the Ghanaian-American comedian because of its confidentiality obligations. The UGMC highlighted its commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of every patient's medical and personal information, an obligation that persists even after death. It emphasized that out of respect for the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family, details of any patient's diagnosis, treatment, medical records, or account of care would not be disclosed or discussed in the public domain.
UGMC refuted assertions that its staff are unprofessional and are only interested in taking money from patients. The statement clarified that all medical decisions are made by top medical professionals in consultation with the families of sick people. It further explained that clinical decisions at UGMC are made solely by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with sound medical judgment, established standards of care, and the best interests of the patient.
Michael Blackson, in a series of posts shared on X on August 4, 2026, alleged that the UGMC, acclaimed to be the best medical centre in Ghana, misdiagnosed the illness of his mother on several occasions. He suggested that the 'missed diagnosis' was done deliberately to exploit him financially. Furthermore, he accused the staff of being solely interested in money, adding that individuals without financial means are at risk of losing their lives should they seek medical attention at the hospital. Blackson also alleged that the hospital lied about his late mother being unable to breathe and claimed she could not be moved when he wanted to transfer her to another facility. Additionally, he claimed that a staff member asked him for money when he was going to identify the mortal remains of his mother.