Health Minister Appeals for Leniency Towards Queried Staff Nurse

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has appealed to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to exercise leniency in handling a disciplinary matter involving a Staff Nurse, Ms. Bernice Aboagye, who was recently issued a query letter over alleged unprofessional remarks made about the Minister.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and signed by its Spokesperson and Head of Health Training Institutions, Mr. Tony Goodman, the Minister acknowledged the Ghana Health Service for its swift response in upholding the principles of professionalism and adherence to the Code of Conduct governing health workers.

While commending the Service’s commitment to maintaining discipline within the health sector, Hon. Akandoh urged that justice be tempered with mercy in this instance. He emphasized that both he and the government remain open to divergent views and constructive criticism, describing them as essential elements of a democratic society that values inclusivity, tolerance, and open dialogue.

“The Minister and government welcome constructive feedback as part of efforts to enhance accountability and improve service delivery. However, such expressions must be made in a respectful and responsible manner,” the statement read.

Hon. Akandoh further encouraged all health professionals to express their opinions with decorum and to refrain from using offensive language, particularly in public or on social media platforms. He stressed that mutual respect and professionalism are crucial in promoting harmony and advancing the collective goal of improving Ghana’s healthcare system.

The Ministry also reiterated its respect for the constitutional right of citizens to demonstrate or express their grievances, noting that peaceful and lawful protests are legitimate means of communication in a democracy. Nonetheless, it cautioned against acts of indiscipline or the use of abusive language during such activities.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Health urged all health personnel to remain guided by professional ethics and to exercise discretion in their communications, both online and offline, as ambassadors of the health sector.