The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has appealed to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to show mercy toward a staff nurse, Ms. Bernice Aboagye, who was recently queried for making unprofessional comments about him in a viral video.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Tony Goodman, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, the Minister acknowledged the GHS’s swift response to the matter but urged the Service to “temper justice with mercy.”
“The Minister commends the Ghana Health Service for promptly upholding the tenets of professionalism and the Code of Conduct prescribed for health workers,” the release said. “However, Hon. Akandoh has appealed to the Service to temper justice with mercy in addressing the matter.”
Hon. Akandoh noted that both he and the government remain open to criticism and diverse opinions, provided they are expressed respectfully. “We welcome divergent views and constructive criticism as part of our commitment to fostering tolerance and openness to diverse opinions,” he said.
The Minister also used the opportunity to remind health workers to express their grievances or opinions with decorum. “Health workers are encouraged to express their opinions responsibly and respectfully, without resorting to insults, as this contributes to the healthy growth and development of the health sector,” he added.
While affirming the right of citizens to demonstrate and air frustrations, the Ministry cautioned against the use of abusive language or acts of indiscipline during such actions.
“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,” the statement noted.
Mr. Goodman concluded by urging all health professionals to be mindful of their public communications and social media activities to preserve the dignity of the profession.
