Medical Negligence; the Case of the Gambia and Ghana: A Legal Commentary
Published: 2023-07-07
Page: 267-277
Issue: 2023 - Volume 6 [Issue 1]
Raphael Nyarkotey Obu *
The Gambia Law School, Banjul, The Gambia.
Daniel Sackey
Ghana School of Law, Accra, Ghana.
Lawrencia Aggrey-Bluwey
Department of Health Administration and Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This legal opinion aims to examine the prevalence and evaluate medical negligence cases in the Gambia and Ghana.
Methods: This is done using a non-systematic approach in conducting literature searches on media reports on alleged medical negligence, decided cases in Ghana and the Gambia, common law perspectives, and statutory provisions for the award of damages in both countries using search engines.
Results: We found that medical negligence is on the rise in both countries. In the case of Ghana, patients are suing medical facilities daily unlike in the Gambia. Recently, the rapid rising in suits against medical facilities has become a subject of comment by the health minister of Ghana. Also, measures are being put in place in Ghana to address the rising cases of medical negligence. In the Gambia, no measures are being put in place to address the rising cases of medical negligence.
Conclusion: The rising cases of medical negligence in the Gambia and Ghana have become a public health threat and policymakers need to take measures to address this to improve the healthcare sector.
Keywords: Medical negligence, Ghana, The Gambia, common law, cases
How to Cite
Downloads
References
Finally a nurse jailed for negligence!(2014) Available:https://www.facebook.com/WhatsOnGambia/photos/a.324846747630106.75120.320979324683515/91000314348080?locale=pt_BR&paipv=0&eav=AfYbB-BuleDN8sAnJ6MdCM2bXnDGke55resSX6gpyTtdRA6IbbNHiJaiZlgxDf6ubIY&_rdr
Another pregnant woman dies due to medical negligence; 2021
On AKI, Father Blames Health Ministry For Negligence Over His Child’s Death; 2022.
Gov’t agrees to prosecute Dr Mbowe; 2022. Available:https://standard.gm/govt-agrees-to-prosecute-dr-mbowe/
Young mother accuses EFSTH of negligence; 2001
Available:http://www.whatson-gambia.com/index.php/news/2357-young-mother-accuses-efsth-of-negligence
Raphael Nyarkotey Obu Medical negligence on the rise in Gambia: A call for national action; 2023.
Raphael Nyarkotey Obu Resolving the Medical Negligence Quagmire in Ghana: Some Suggested Solutions; 2022.
Ohemeng Tawiah Cases of medical negligence in Ghana on the rise; 2022.
Available:https://www.myjoyonline.com/cases-of-medical-negligence-in-ghana-on-the-rise/
Medical-negligence; 2023.
The State v Tsiba (1962) 2 GLR 109 at p.111
Frimpong V Nyarko [1998-99] SC GLR 734.
Evidence Act 1975 (NRCD 323) of Ghana.
Ababio V. Akwasi Iii [1994 – 95] GBR 774.
Zabrama Vrs. Segbedzi [1991] 2 GLR 221 at 224.
Ackah V. Pergah Transport [2010] SCGLR 728 @ 736.
Donoghue v. Stevenson[1932] A.C. 562, [1932] UKHL 100.
Edward Nasser & Co Ltd V. Mcvroom And Another [1996-97] Scglr 468.
Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee [1957] 1 WLR 583.
Hunter v. Hanley 1955 SC 200.
Gyan v. Ashanti Goldfields Corporation 1 GLR 466 (1990).
Darko v Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Suit No. AHR 44/06 [2008].
Dr. Sandys Abraham Arthur V. The Ghana Medical & Dental Council Civil Appeal No: H1/214/2012.
Whitehouse v Jordan (1980) 1 ALLER 650.
Re: Agyire-Tetteh; 2018.
Somi v Tema General Hospital, (1994- 2000) CHRAJ 196.
Elizabeth Vaah v Lister Hospital and Fertility Centre, HRCM 69/10 [2010].
Jehu Appiah v Nyaho Healthcare Limited [2021].
State V K. Nkyi [1962] GLR 197.
Bolitho v City and Hackney HA; 1996.
Evidence Act 1994.
Babourcarr Touray v MRC and 2 OR GCA CIV.APP. 55/94.
Conney V Bemtum Willaims, [1984-86] 2 GLR 303.
Tetteh V Hayford, (J4 34 of 2011) [2012] GHASC 12.
Feneku V John Teye, (2001-2002] SCG LR 985.
Manu @Kabonya V The Rep, [1977]1 GLR 196.
Asantekramo, alias Kumah v. Attorney–General [1975] 1 GLR 319.
Pearce v. United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust 1999.
Chester v Afshar; 2004.
Foo Fio Na v Soo Fook Mun and Anor; 2007.
Sidaway v Board of Governors of the Bethlem Royal Hospital.
Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, UKSC 1; 2015.
‘Cantebury v Spencer’ in 1972.
Dr. E.L.A. Chinbuah and Attorney General case, 2021.
Chappel v Hart’ [1998].
Wallace v Kam’ [2013] HCA 19.
Agyemang-Manu laments over lawsuits against doctors; 2023.
Available:https://citinewsroom.com/2023/04/agyemang-manu-laments-over-lawsuits-against-doctors/
Committee tasked to improve service at 37 Military Hospital to avoid lawsuits; 2023).
Aboaku V. Tetteh (1962) 2 GLR 165.
Gold v. Essex County Council [1942] 2 K.B. 293, C.A.
Opoku-Darkwa V. Akyea (1974) 1 GLR 272.
Civil Liability Act, 1963, Act 176.
Agbedor & Another V. Yeboah (1981) GLR 769 CA.
The Law of England (Application) Act.
Workmen's Compensation Act 1987 (PNDCL 187).
Roger v Whitaker (1992).
1992 Constitution of Ghana.