Akandoh urges leniency for nurse queried over social media comments
Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to show leniency toward a nurse who was queried for allegedly making unprofessional comments about him on social media.
A query letter issued to Ms. Bernice Aboagye, a staff nurse at the Nkenkaasu Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, accused her of using “unprintable and scandalous words” against the minister in videos that have circulated online.
The letter, signed by the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Samuel Freeman Mensah, cited breaches of the GHS Code of Conduct relating to rude behaviour, use of abusive language, and actions bringing the Service into disrepute.
Ms. Aboagye has been given until 24 October 2025, to respond to the allegations.
In a statement issues yesterday, Sunday, October 12, the Ministry of Health confirmed awareness of the incident and commended the GHS for promptly upholding professional standards. However, Minister Akandoh appealed for clemency.
“Both I and the government welcome divergent views and constructive criticism,” he said.
“We must foster tolerance and openness to diverse opinions, even as we maintain discipline within the Service.”
The Minister cautioned health workers to exercise restraint and professionalism when expressing their opinions, particularly on social media, noting that insults undermine the image of the health sector.
The statement, signed by Ministry spokesperson Tony Goodman, emphasized that while the government respects the right to protest, it would not condone abusive language or acts of indiscipline.
The incident has stirred debate among health professionals and the public about free expression, workplace discipline, and the limits of criticism within public service institutions.
Read MOH full statement below:
PRESS RELEASE
Minister for Health Requests Amnesty for Staff Nurse
The Ministry of Health has taken notice of a query letter issued to Ms. Bernice Aboagye, a Staff Nurse, which has been circulating on social media regarding certain unprofessional comments allegedly made against the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
- The Minister commends the Ghana Health Service for promptly upholding the tenets of professionalism and the Code of Conduct prescribed for health workers.
- However, Hon. Akandoh has appealed to the Service to temper justice with mercy in addressing the matter. According to him, both he and the government welcome divergent views and constructive criticism as part of his commitment to fostering tolerance and openness to diverse opinions.
- The Minister further urged all health workers to express their opinions responsibly and respectfully, without resorting to insults, as this contributes to the healthy growth and development of the health sector.
- The Ministry wishes to emphasize that it has no objection to demonstrations, as they are legitimate expressions of frustration and a constitutional right of every citizen. However, the Ministry will not condone the use of abusive language or acts of indiscipline during such demonstrations.
- The Ministry of Health also wishes to use this opportunity to remind all health professionals to be circumspect in their public communications and social media engagements.
SIGNED BY:
TONY GOODMAN
HEAD, HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTIONS & SPOKESPERSON
12TH OCTOBER, 2025
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