Video: ‘Death prank’ at Nkwatia government hospital forces 'stingy' family to pay medical bills

A dramatic incident at Nkwatia Government Hospital has sparked widespread debate after a viral video showed how a family allegedly paid long-overdue medical bills only after being told their relative had died.

According to the narration in the video, the patient, identified as Mr Ketekra, had been receiving treatment at the facility for about three weeks. During that period, his family reportedly failed to visit or provide financial support despite the mounting cost of his care.

The situation is said to have placed significant pressure on hospital staff, who continued to treat the patient while expenses increased.

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‘Death Announcement’ Changes Everything

In a controversial twist, the video claims that a plan was devised involving the patient and some hospital staff. Mr Ketekra was allegedly declared dead, and a message was sent to his family through a nurse.

The reaction was immediate.

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Upon hearing the news of his supposed death, family members reportedly rushed to the hospital and quickly settled all outstanding medical bills.

Shock as Patient Is Found Alive

After completing the payments, the family requested to see the body—only to be met with a shocking reality. Instead of a lifeless relative, they reportedly found Mr Ketekra alive and seated, calmly drinking a bottle of malt.

The moment, captured on video, has since circulated widely online, triggering mixed reactions across social media.

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Public Reaction and Ethical Questions

The incident has reignited conversations around family responsibility and healthcare ethics in Ghana.

While some viewers have defended the move as a desperate tactic to recover medical costs, others have questioned the ethical implications of staging a false death, especially within a healthcare setting.

The situation also reflects a common sentiment often expressed locally—that some families show more urgency after death than during illness.