The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMCG) has issued a strong warning to trainee and practising nurses and midwives to immediately desist from unprofessional behaviour on social media, cautioning that offenders will face severe disciplinary sanctions, including suspension or revocation of their licenses.
In a statement dated October 6, 2025, and signed by the Registrar, Mrs. Philomena Wooley, the Council said it had observed with alarm a growing trend of disturbing videos and online posts by some nurses and midwives that violate the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct governing the profession.
“The attention of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana has been drawn to a series of disturbing social media publications and videos involving Trainees, Nurses Assistants, Nurses and Midwives,” the statement said.
“These publications and videos depict conduct that is grossly unprofessional and in direct contravention of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.”
Misuse of uniforms and offensive content
The Council expressed particular concern over the misuse of nursing and midwifery uniforms in the creation of social media content, warning that such acts misrepresent the profession and mislead the public.
“The Council is particularly concerned about the misuse of the Nursing and Midwifery uniform in the creation of social media content that purports to educate the public or fellow Practitioners without due authorisation,” Mrs. Wooley noted.
She also condemned “the use of abusive, derogatory and offensive language directed at leadership and other stakeholders,” as well as “the dissemination of misleading or unverified health information under the guise of professional advice.”
Upholding professional integrity
Reiterating the core values of the nursing and midwifery professions, the Council reminded all practitioners and students that their conduct must reflect integrity, respect, and ethical responsibility.
“The Nursing and Midwifery professions are grounded in the principles of integrity, respect, professionalism and ethical responsibility. Any conduct that undermines these values not only tarnishes the image of the profession but also erodes public trust in the healthcare system,” the statement emphasised.
The NMCG stressed that, as the sole regulatory body mandated by law to accredit training institutions and license individuals to practice as Nurse Assistants, Nurses, and Midwives, it alone has the authority to approve professional activities and public education under its name.
“Consequently, no individual or group is permitted to provide public education or professional guidance under the guise of the Council without prior approval or accreditation,” the statement warned.
Strict disciplinary measures ahead
The Council cautioned that it will not hesitate to impose disciplinary action on those who flout its code.
“All Students and Practitioners are hereby cautioned to desist from engaging in any form of unprofessional conduct, particularly on social media platforms,” it said.
“The Council will not hesitate to invoke the necessary disciplinary measures, including suspension or revocation of licenses, against any individual found culpable of breaching the professional Code of Conduct.”
Call for collective responsibility
The Council urged all stakeholders, including training institutions and healthcare facilities, to help preserve the dignity and sanctity of the nursing and midwifery professions.
It also encouraged members of the public and the professional community to report any incidents of misconduct to the Council for prompt action.
“The Nursing and Midwifery Council calls on all stakeholders to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the Nursing and Midwifery professions and to report any such misconduct to the Council for appropriate action,” Mrs. Wooley concluded.
