Legal Proceedings Against a Businessman Accused of Fraudulent Medical Practice
A 41-year-old businessman from Accra has been charged with falsely presenting himself as a medical doctor and practicing medicine and dentistry without the necessary license. The case, which has drawn significant attention, involves Ebenezer Sarpong, who is accused of violating the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013 (Act 857).
Sarpong, a trained Physician Assistant from a private university in Accra, is alleged to have engaged in unauthorized medical activities, including charging patients for services provided. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include willfully and falsely using the title “Dr.”, practicing or professing to practice medicine or dentistry without registration, and receiving payment for such practices.
The court, presided over by Mrs. Susana Eduful, granted Sarpong bail in the amount of GHC 50,000, with two sureties required to provide landed property as security. The case has been adjourned to December 10, 2025, for further proceedings.
Details of the Alleged Offenses
The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer, stated that the complainant was the Administrative Manager in charge of Complaints and Investigations at the Ghana Medical and Dental Council. According to the allegations, Sarpong, who resides in Mamprobi, is the owner of Good Care Medical Centre located at Swalaba near Bukom, Accra.
On August 14, 2025, during an undercover operation, the complainant allegedly discovered Sarpong practicing medicine without authorization at the facility. Four days later, the Medical and Dental Council reported the incident to the Regional Police Command, leading to Sarpong’s arrest.
During the police investigation, it was reportedly found that Sarpong was consulting patients, some of whom were on admission and others in the Out-Patient Department. In his caution statement, Sarpong allegedly admitted to being a trained Physician Assistant but claimed he had no license to practice medicine.
Further investigations confirmed that he had been using the title “Dr.” and accepting payments for medical services, which is against the provisions of Act 857.
Legal Implications and Public Concerns
The case has raised concerns about the regulation of health professionals and the importance of adhering to legal frameworks governing medical and dental practices. The Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act, 2013, aims to ensure that only licensed professionals are allowed to practice, thereby protecting public health and safety.
This incident highlights the need for strict enforcement of licensing laws and increased awareness among the public about the dangers of seeking medical care from unlicensed practitioners. It also underscores the role of regulatory bodies in monitoring and addressing such violations.
Next Steps in the Case
As the case moves forward, the court will likely hear more evidence and testimonies from witnesses, including those involved in the undercover operation and the subsequent investigation. The prosecution will present its arguments to establish the extent of Sarpong’s alleged misconduct, while the defense will aim to challenge these claims.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar cases involving unauthorized medical practice. It may also prompt regulatory authorities to review and strengthen their procedures for identifying and prosecuting individuals who engage in such activities.
Conclusion
The legal proceedings against Ebenezer Sarpong reflect the ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with medical and dental licensing regulations. As the case continues, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of professional integrity and adherence to legal standards in the healthcare sector.