Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Bernice Aboagye, a staff nurse is staring possible disciplinary actions in the face as the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a formal query against her for comments she made in viral videos directed at the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
The GHS, in a letter issued on October 10, 2025, and sighted by DAILY GUIDE, accuses the nurse of using “unprintable, inappropriate and scandalous words” directed at the sector minister and has the potential of damaging the image of the health profession.
The letter signed by Dr. Samuel Freeman Mensah, a Medical Superintendent, noted that the GHS has since the circulation of the videos, “received several calls from well-meaning Ghanaians registering their misgivings and reservations about the content of the videos.”
Ms. Aboagye allegedly made the comments on October 2, 2025, when the Coalition of Unpaid Nurses and Midwives hit the streets of Accra in protest of government’s failure to pay the salaries of nearly 7,000 health workers who have not been paid for the last ten months, despite being at post.
The aggrieved health workers began the demonstration from the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park and marched through some major streets in Accra to drum home their demands.
They gathered at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, where they presented petitions to the government. Government has promised to resolve the issue, noting that it will be captured in the 2026 budget.
The comments are said to have generated discussions and backlash on various social media platforms “with people making all manner of disparaging comments about the service.”
GHS has since issued a formal query to the nurse, attaching the impugned videos and has given her up to October 24, 2025, to explain why disciplinary action should not be instituted against her.
She is to explain why she should not face sanctions for “use of unacceptable and inappropriate words resulting in a rude behaviour towards the Honourable Minister for Health contrary to Section 8.1(c) of the code of conduct and disciplinary procedures.”
She is also to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against her for “use of abusive [words] on the Honourable Minister of Health contrary to Section 8. I (1) of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.”
Finally, Ms. Aboagye is to explain why she should not be punished for “tarnishing the corporate image of the Service and bringing the name of the Service into disrepute contrary to Section 4.1 (d) of the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.”
Amnesty
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has appealed to the GHS 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.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Health “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.”
It emphasised that the Ministry 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,” it said.
The statement further reminded all health professionals to be circumspect in their public communications and social media engagements.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak