Minister for Health Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has granted amnesty to a nurse queried by management of the Nkenkensu Government Hospital for describing the minister as a “drama king” during a recent protest by some unpaid health workers. Ms. Bernice Aboagye, who works at the Nkenkensu Government Hospital in the viral video launched verbal attack on the health minister during the nationwide demonstration by nurses demanding payment of their 10 months salary arrears.
In a viral video from the protest, the visibly frustrated nurse accused the Health Minister of focusing on publicity stunts instead of addressing the challenges within the health sector. Authorities at the District Hospital in the query asked the said nurse to give reasons why disciplinary actions should not be taken against her for the attacks against the minister arguing her conduct goes against ethics of the profession.
The query has generated varied reactions from the public with some questioning the action of the health authorities and others applauding them for taking action against what they argue is a condemnable act from the said nurse.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has however directed for the disciplinary action instituted against Ms. Bernice Aboagye to be truncated and be granted pardon. In a statement signed by Head of Training Institutions and Spokesperson for the Health Ministry Tony Goodman the minister 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.”
According to the statement the minister has however cautioned health workers to be responsible in expressing their views about frustrations in the sector.
“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 statement added even though the ministry is not against demonstrations it will not condone foul language and indiscipline during such exercises.
“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.” Tony Goodman concluded.
Below is the full statement:
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.
2. The Minister commends the Ghana Health Service for promptly upholding the tenets of professionalism and the Code of Conduct prescribed for health workers.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
