Western Regional Minister settles medical bills of accident victim detained for five months

A rubber tapper named Emmanuel Etroo spent nearly five months at Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Sekondi, unable to leave due to an outstanding medical bill of GH¢39,000. The accident that left his right leg severely fractured occurred on February 15, 2026, when a Sprinter vehicle hit him while he was on his motorbike on the Takoradi-Agona road.

The driver promised to cover his medical expenses, but ultimately could not. Etroo underwent several surgical procedures, with his first surgery costing GH¢15,500 alone. After four operations, he still faced mounting medical bills and needed another surgery, which left him at the hospital for months. Linda Otoo, a Public Health Nurse at the hospital, brought Etroo's situation to public attention through social media after his family was unable to pay the bill.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, intervened and settled the full amount owed by Etroo, as well as an additional GH¢11,000 towards his fifth surgery, which doctors believe could improve his mobility. Etroo expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his help, while Linda Otoo noted that the hospital's group of nurses typically supports patients like Etroo, but his bill was too large for them to handle.