Ghanaian Doctor Charged With Sexual Assault In Canada
A 64-year-old Ghanaian physician, Dr. Clarence Clottey, based in Oakville, Canada, had a sexual assault charge filed against him following an allegation that he sexually assaulted a female patient during a clinic visit.
At the time of the incident, Dr. Clottey practiced at Bristol Family Physicians on Bristol Circle. Once the patient reported the assault, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded and arrested him. He was later released pending a court appearance in Milton.
This is not the first time Dr. Clottey has been wrapped up in claims of sexual misconduct. In 2016, he was indicted on six counts of sexual assault after several female patients came forward, alleging inappropriate behavior during examinations. However, after a lengthy trial, Dr. Clottey was acquitted of all charges in 2018.
Also Read: White Volta Floods Causes Closure Of Atebubu-Kumasi Highway
Even with an acquittal, the professional body, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, had placed restrictions on his practice. The restrictions included not being allowed to carry out any form of examination of the breasts, pelvis, or rectum on female patients, but rather, such patients were to be referred for other physicians to attend to.
These restrictions came after another arrest in 2019 over an incident said to have happened in 2014 when Dr. Clottey had allegedly assaulted a female patient.
These new allegations have raised fresh questions about whether efforts previously taken to prevent any misconduct were adequate. Due to the fear that there may be more victims who haven't come out, Dr. Clottey's photo was released through the HRPS.
This case puts patient safety and accountability for medical professionals to the fore, with increasing demands for more stringent enforcement of measures that will protect patients' trust in the system.