Omanghana
Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson has accused the University of Ghana Medical Centre of misdiagnosis, negligence and financial exploitation following the death of his 83-year-old mother.
Blackson’s mother died at the medical facility on July 16, 2026. In a series of emotional social media posts, the comedian described UGMC as the “worst hospital in Ghana” and alleged that its operations placed financial gain above saving patients’ lives.
According to Blackson, doctors and nurses repeatedly failed to identify his mother’s actual medical condition, resulting in treatments he considered ineffective and unnecessarily expensive.
He claimed that he paid approximately GH¢250,000 during what he described as her month-long stay in the Intensive Care Unit.
Blackson further alleged that his mother remained in intensive care for nine days without being examined by a specialist. He said his sister encountered hostility from medical personnel whenever she raised concerns or demanded improved care for their mother.
The comedian also disclosed that his sister was involved in a physical confrontation with a male nurse at the facility. He alleged that the nurse contacted the police about the incident a week later while the family was at the hospital to identify their mother’s body.
UGMC management has rejected Blackson’s account, saying his public statements contain “numerous inaccuracies” and do not accurately represent the treatment provided to his mother.
In a statement issued on August 5, 2026, the hospital explained that the patient was referred to UGMC from another medical facility and received treatment there for eight weeks, from May 27 until her death on July 16.
UGMC’s Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Baffour Gyan, called on Blackson to retract the allegations and apologies to the institution. He argued that the claims had unfairly harmed the reputation of the relatively young medical center.
The hospital also confirmed that the alleged assault of its staff member had been formally referred to law-enforcement authorities for investigation.
UGMC declined to disclose the patient’s diagnosis, medical records or details of her treatment. Management said releasing such information publicly would breach patient confidentiality and undermine the dignity and privacy of the deceased and her family.
The conflicting accounts have generated public debate about patient care, accountability and communication between healthcare workers and relatives. Blackson’s allegations and the hospital’s rebuttal remain competing public claims and do not constitute findings of medical negligence or legal liability.
Source: Omanghana
