The Concerned Nurses and Midwifery Association of Ghana (CNMAG) has strongly criticised comments made by the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, against the Health Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, describing them as “highly inappropriate.”
The backlash follows the assault on a nurse at Ridge Hospital, after which critics accused Mr. Akandoh of “fraternising” with Ralph Saint Williams, one of the alleged perpetrators, when a viral video captured them shaking hands.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Tenkorang-Twum questioned why the Minister exchanged pleasantries with Ralph, stating that his actions showed he does not respect nurses. He also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to government to arrest Ralph, vowing that GRNMA would advise itself if there was no action.
However, in a statement, while expressing solidarity with the assaulted colleague, CNMAG voiced disappointment with the language used by Dr. Tenkorang-Twum, saying it was “unbecoming of a leader of his standing” and fell short of the professionalism expected at his level.
“As a senior figure within the nursing profession, Dr. Tenkorang-Twum should have displayed greater discretion, professionalism, and respect in communicating his concerns, even if he disagreed with government policies or decisions,” the group stated.
The statement emphasised that nursing leaders must adopt a tone that is “mature, diplomatic, and capable of expressing dissent without resorting to insults or personal attacks.”
According to CNMAG, the language used by the GRNMA General Secretary did not meet this standard.
The group has therefore called on Dr. Tenkorang-Twum to reflect on his comments and exercise “better judgement” going forward.
They stressed that protecting the image of the nursing and midwifery profession is crucial to ensuring that its collective voice continues to command national respect.
