The University of Ghana Medical Centre has disputed several aspects of American Ghanaian comedian Michael Blackson’s account of the medical treatment provided to his late mother, describing the claims he made on social media as containing numerous inaccuracies.
The medical facility said it had carefully examined the concerns raised by Blackson and had approached the matter with fairness and objectivity. However, UGMC explained that it could not publicly disclose information concerning the diagnosis, treatment or medical records of his late mother because of its continuing obligations relating to patient confidentiality and privacy.
Blackson, whose 83 year old mother died at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on July 16, 2026, publicly raised concerns about her treatment at the facility on August 4. His allegations, which were subsequently reported by Graphic Showbiz, included claims of repeated misdiagnosis, inadequate patient care, ineffective communication with members of the family and concerns regarding the substantial amount of money spent during her treatment.
The comedian also claimed that his family had paid approximately GH¢250,000 within the space of one month while questioning whether financial considerations may have influenced aspects of the medical care provided to his mother.
Blackson further recounted an incident involving his sister and a male nurse at the facility, adding another dimension to his concerns about the family’s experience during his mother’s period of treatment.
UGMC, however, has rejected the suggestion that Blackson’s account accurately represents the circumstances surrounding his mother’s care.
In its response, the medical centre stated unequivocally that the information presented by the comedian on social media contained numerous inaccuracies and did not provide an accurate representation of the events that occurred during the treatment of his 83 year old mother.
According to UGMC, Blackson’s mother was referred to the facility from a peripheral hospital and remained at the medical centre from May 27 until July 16, 2026, meaning that she received care at the institution for approximately eight weeks.
Although the medical centre challenged the accuracy of Blackson’s public account, it declined to respond individually to the specific allegations he had raised. UGMC explained that doing so would require the disclosure of confidential medical and personal information belonging to the deceased patient.
The institution said its position was guided by professional ethical obligations, respect for the dignity of the deceased and the need to protect the privacy of the family.
UGMC also rejected any suggestion that financial considerations influence clinical decisions at the facility. The medical centre explained that decisions relating to patient care are taken by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals on the basis of medical judgment, established standards of practice and the best interests of the patient.
The facility further stated that authorised family representatives are consulted and their consent obtained where such consent is required.
According to UGMC, its financial and clinical systems operate independently. The institution maintained that its billing procedures are transparent, governed by established institutional policies and structurally separated from clinical decision making.
The assertion nevertheless leaves questions regarding how the medical centre ensures that financial administration remains completely independent from clinical considerations, particularly in prolonged cases where patients require extensive treatment and families incur substantial medical expenses.
UGMC did not disclose the financial details of Blackson’s mother’s treatment and did not specifically address the comedian’s reported claim that approximately GH¢250,000 had been spent on her care.
The medical centre also addressed the reported confrontation involving Blackson’s sister and a member of staff, explaining that the matter had been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
UGMC declined to provide further public commentary on the incident, stating that it would not be appropriate to discuss the circumstances in detail while the matter remained before the relevant authorities.
The institution nevertheless indicated that it remained willing to engage privately with the family and examine any specific allegation of misconduct involving a member of its staff.
UGMC said any allegation of wrongdoing would be subjected to appropriate investigation and, where necessary, referred to the relevant authorities for further action.
The dispute has consequently created a situation in which Blackson and the medical centre have offered substantially different accounts of the family’s experience, while the institution maintains that professional confidentiality prevents it from publicly releasing the medical information that could be used to address individual allegations.
UGMC is therefore urging members of the public to distinguish between the allegations publicly presented by Blackson and what the medical centre describes as the factual circumstances surrounding the treatment of his late mother.
The institution has also encouraged patients and their relatives who have concerns about services received at the facility to utilise its Client Services channels to formally submit complaints and request reviews.
UGMC reaffirmed that it remains committed to addressing complaints through established procedures and handling the matter with fairness, professionalism and respect for all parties involved.
The disagreement is likely to continue attracting public attention, particularly because the medical centre has challenged the substance of Blackson’s allegations while simultaneously maintaining that patient confidentiality prevents it from publicly disclosing the clinical information that could provide a detailed response to his claims.
