NewzThe University of Ghana Medical Centre Ltd. (UGMC) has disputed claims made by Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson regarding the care provided to his late mother, saying some of the issues raised on social media contain inaccuracies. In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, UGMC extended its condolences to Mr Blackson and his family following the death of his 83-year-old mother at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The Centre said it takes feedback from patients and their families seriously and had reviewed the concerns raised “thoroughly, fairly and objectively” in line with its clinical and administrative processes. However, UGMC said its review found that several claims made by Mr Blackson about his mother’s treatment did not accurately reflect what occurred during her care at the facility. Blackson on social media contain numerous inaccuracies and do not accurately reflect the events that transpired in the provision of medical care to his 83-year-old mother,” the statement said.
Mr Blackson’s mother was referred to UGMC from a peripheral hospital and received care at the facility from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks. UGMC, however, said it would not disclose details of her diagnosis, treatment or medical records due to its obligation to protect patient confidentiality, which remains in place even after a patient’s death. “Out of respect for the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family, we will not disclose or discuss in the public domain the details of any patient’s diagnosis, treatment, medical records, or account of care,” the Centre stated.
The medical facility maintained that all clinical decisions are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on established medical standards and in the best interest of patients, adding that such decisions are taken in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary. UGMC also addressed a reported incident involving an alleged physical assault of Mr Blackson’s sister and a member of staff, saying the matter has been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. The Centre said it would not comment further on the issue while the matter remains with the relevant authorities.
UGMC said it remains willing to engage with the family privately through appropriate channels and assured that any specific allegations … The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has responded to allegations by Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson following the death of his 83-year-old mother at the facility, saying some of the claims made about her care do not reflect the events that occurred. In a statement, UGMC expressed its condolences to Blackson and his family but said the account shared on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” regarding the medical care provided to his mother.
The comedian had accused the hospital of poor service delivery, alleging that his mother was repeatedly misdiagnosed, that financial considerations were prioritised over patient care, and that the facility failed to show compassion following her death on July 16, 2026. Blackson, in posts on X, described UGMC as “the worst hospital in Ghana” and alleged that the facility charged his family about GH₵250,000 in bills within a month before informing them that his mother had died from an infection. He also claimed that a staff member showed no sympathy when he went to identify his mother’s body and alleged that a hospital worker requested a tip.
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