The escalating dispute between Michael Blackson and the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has taken a dramatic new turn, with the hospital confirming that its lawyers have formally written to the Ghanaian-American comedian demanding a retraction and apology over comments he made following his mother’s death.
Blackson recently described UGMC as the “worst hospital in Ghana” while accusing doctors and nurses of misdiagnosing his 83-year-old mother, providing poor care and prioritizing money over patients. His mother died at the medical centre on July 16, 2026, after spending several weeks receiving treatment.
UGMC has strongly rejected those accusations.
Speaking on JoyNews on August 10, UGMC Director of Medical Affairs Dr. Baffour Gyan said the hospital disagrees completely with Blackson’s characterization of the facility, insisting its performance should be judged by its clinical record, infrastructure and medical professionals rather than one individual experience.
Dr. Gyan revealed that UGMC’s lawyers have now contacted Blackson, asking him to withdraw the statements and publicly apologize.
According to UGMC, Blackson’s mother was transferred to the facility from another hospital while suffering from a serious infection. She remained at UGMC for approximately eight weeks, including about six weeks in intensive care. The hospital maintains that established treatment protocols were followed and denies allegations that her care amounted to medical negligence or misdiagnosis.
UGMC previously described Blackson’s version of events as containing “numerous inaccuracies.” The institution also rejected suggestions that financial considerations influenced clinical decisions, saying its billing system operates separately from medical treatment.
Blackson, however, has continued criticizing the hospital. He previously alleged that his family spent around GH¢250,000 during his mother’s treatment and accused the facility of failing to take responsibility for what happened.
The comedian’s allegations and UGMC’s forceful response have triggered widespread debate in Ghana over healthcare standards, patient experiences and accountability.
Now, with lawyers officially involved, the controversy has moved beyond a social-media war of words.
