Veteran journalist and political commentator, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has shared his thoughts on the recent disciplinary case involving Bernice Aboagye, a staff nurse who was queried by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for using unprofessional language against the Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, Mr. Pratt expressed surprise and admiration for the Health Minister’s calm and mature response to the issue.
He wrote, “Honourable Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health, says that he and his government remain open to constructive criticism and diverse opinions and view them as essential to promoting tolerance and transparency in governance.”
Mr. Pratt was reacting to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Department, following the Ghana Health Service’s query to Nurse Aboagye. The statement appealed for leniency in handling the matter, urging that “justice be tempered with mercy.” It also reaffirmed the Ministry’s respect for citizens’ constitutional rights to protest or express frustration publicly, as long as it is done respectfully.
The nurse, who works at Nkenkansu Government Hospital, had been captured in viral videos making harsh comments about the Health Minister while lamenting the government’s delay in paying some nurses’ salaries. The GHS later issued her a formal query, asking her to explain her actions in line with the Service’s Code of Conduct.
Kwesi Pratt’s post ended with a rhetorical question: “Woow! Is this the dawn of a new era?” His reaction has been interpreted by many as praise for the Minister’s tolerance and humility in the face of criticism — a quality not often seen in Ghanaian politics.
Many social media users have also commended Mr. Akandoh for choosing compassion over punishment, calling it an example of leadership with empathy. The public now awaits the final decision from the Ghana Health Service on the nurse’s case.
