MONROVIA — Golden Touch Health Care LLC has mounted a strong defense of its operations and the involvement of Sekou Dukuly, rejecting what it describes as inaccurate implications contained in an investigation published by MPR News and APM Reports.
The healthcare company issued its response Friday, four days after the August 17 publication, maintaining that it has operated with a commitment to providing stable and long-term care to Minnesotans with significant medical and behavioral health needs.
Golden Touch said the report prompted the company to clarify its position, particularly concerning claims surrounding Dukuly and his relationship with the healthcare organization.
At the center of the company’s response is its rejection of the characterization that Dukuly was “moonlighting” in Minnesota while simultaneously living and working in public service in Liberia.
Golden Touch said that description was inaccurate and insisted that Dukuly’s involvement with the company was neither improper nor unlawful.
“There is nothing improper, unlawful, or fraudulent about Mr. Dukuly’s involvement with Golden Touch,” the company said.
The company did not disclose additional details about Dukuly’s specific responsibilities in its statement but maintained that his involvement with Golden Touch should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.
Golden Touch also defended the structure of its Minnesota operations, emphasizing that it works to comply with applicable assisted living laws and regulations.
According to the company, licensed assisted living directors are present in Minnesota to oversee the care and supervision provided to residents at its facilities.
The company said those arrangements are intended to ensure that residents receive the necessary care and oversight required under Minnesota regulations.
Golden Touch further highlighted its history in the healthcare sector, saying it has provided services since 2017 to residents with complex medical and behavioral health needs.
The company said its work has helped some residents progress toward greater independence, while its directors, caregivers and nurses have remained responsible for providing services throughout the year.
“Our directors, caregivers, and nurses show up 365 days a year,” Golden Touch said, adding that it stands behind their professionalism and compassion.
Alongside its defense of its operations, Golden Touch expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones while receiving care from the company.
The statement said the company recognizes the significance of those losses and extended condolences to affected families before addressing the issues raised by the MPR/APM investigation.
Golden Touch’s response also took issue with what it described as political implications arising from the report.
The company suggested that some individuals could attempt to use the report for political purposes, but it maintained that such considerations would not change its focus on healthcare delivery.
“It is unfortunate that some may seek political gain based on the inaccurate implications made in the MPR/APM report,” the company stated.
Rather than engage in what it considers political distractions, Golden Touch said it intends to continue concentrating on its healthcare responsibilities and the people who depend on its services.
The company’s statement places particular emphasis on its commitment to Minnesota residents, arguing that its primary responsibility remains providing quality care to people with medical and behavioral health needs.
The dispute highlights the broader importance of oversight, management and compliance within residential healthcare facilities, particularly those serving residents requiring specialized support.
Golden Touch said its continued operations are guided by Minnesota’s assisted living requirements and that licensed professionals oversee care at its facilities.
Golden Touch said it will remain focused on its stated mission rather than the controversy surrounding the report. “Golden Touch will remain focused on what it has always done: providing quality care to Minnesotans in need,” the company said.