Baako reacts to questions of ethics from 'Asylum' doctor

The Editor-In-Chief of the Crusading Guide newspaper, Kwaku Baako, has rubbished suggestions by a member of staff of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital that an undercover investigation by a writer at the newspaper was unethical.

Mr Baako established that while there is “a large measure of admission of authenticity” in the report, it does not conflict with any provisions of ethics of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

Dr. Chris Danso-Bamfo, a worker at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, said portions of the report were exaggerated.

He however conceded that the investigation and subsequent publication of the story will awaken medical practitioners in the country to be more professional.

Ace investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas' undercover investigation exposed massive drug peddling, pilfering and neglect of patients at the hospital.

The journalist also gathered video evidence giving a graphic account of what has been described as rot at the hospital, raising concerns about the country's psychiatric health care system.

A ministerial committee is to probe the reports soon.

Health Minister, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor made a promise to set up the committee before Christmas after he toured the hospital Tuesday morning to interact with staff, also following the journalist's work.

After his tour Dr. Kumbour told journalists that government will prosecute anyone found to have engaged in criminal activity at the hospital.

“What we have seen on camera and what we certainly have seen off-camera show clearly that we have no option than to set up a ministerial committee of enquiry to ensure that we get to the bottom of the matter,” he told Joy News.