University of Ghana Medical Centre Refutes Michael Blackson’s Allegations of Negligence Following Mother’s Death
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has officially responded to a series of scathing allegations made by Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson regarding the medical care provided to his late mother. In a statement released on August 5, 2026, the hospital management expressed its condolences for the passing of Blackson’s 83-year-old mother on July 16 but categorically rejected his claims as having "numerous inaccuracies." The dispute arose after Blackson took to social media to criticize the facility, leading to a public debate about the quality of healthcare delivery at one of Ghana’s premier medical institutions. Michael Blackson’s public critique, shared via the social media platform X, labeled UGMC as the “worst hospital in Ghana.” He alleged that the medical staff failed to properly diagnose his mother’s condition and prioritized financial gain over patient welfare. According to Blackson, the family encountered missed diagnoses and was presented with expensive treatment recommendations that he felt lacked a compassionate basis. His frustration led him to advise Ghanaians living abroad to avoid retiring to Ghana unless they intended to seek healthcare in Europe or the United States, citing a deep disillusionment with the local medical system and its lack of accountability. In its rebuttal, the UGMC maintained that its internal review found no evidence to support the comedian’s accusations of incompetence or financial misconduct. The hospital emphasized that all clinical decisions are made by qualified professionals and that its financial processes remain transparent. While acknowledging the sensitive nature of the situation, UGMC cited legal and ethical obligations regarding patient confidentiality as the reason it could not publicly disclose specific details of the patient’s diagnosis or treatment history. The hospital did, however, confirm that she was under their care from May 27 until her passing in mid-July. The tension between the hospital and Blackson’s family extended beyond medical care, with reports of a physical or verbal confrontation between a family member and a staff nurse. UGMC confirmed that this specific incident has been referred to law enforcement for a formal investigation. Moving forward, the hospital management has invited the family to engage directly through its Client Services Unit to address any lingering grievances. This high-profile dispute highlights the growing scrutiny of healthcare facilities in Ghana and the power of social media in shaping public perceptions of national health services.
