A Ghanaian nurse has been suspended for 12 months by the United Kingdom’s Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after being found to have sexually harassed a former colleague by asking her a series of explicit and inappropriate questions.
Benjamin Terkper admitted asking the colleague about sex toys, whether she was menstruating and whether she wanted him to find her an “older sugar daddy to take care of her”.
The incidents occurred over several months in 2023 and 2024 while Terkper was working at a private hospital in Oxford operated by Nuffield Health.
He was dismissed from the hospital in June 2024 following an internal disciplinary investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.
According to the NMC proceedings, Terkper admitted asking his colleague about dildos and whether she was on her period. The panel also found proven allegations that he asked what penis size she preferred and whether she used a vibrator.
He also admitted calling the woman at about 10pm while she was off duty and subsequently questioning her the following day about why she had not answered his call.
In its ruling, the NMC said Terkper’s conduct amounted to misconduct and sexual harassment, concluding that his fitness to practise as a nurse was impaired on both public protection and public interest grounds.
The panel described his behaviour as reflecting a “deep-seated attitudinal issue” and said there was a risk that similar conduct could be directed towards patients or members of the public.
Although the council noted that Terkper had apologised, participated in the proceedings and completed relevant training, it said his lack of meaningful insight meant it could not conclude that the behaviour was highly unlikely to be repeated.
The NMC consequently imposed a 12-month suspension on his nursing registration.
An interim suspension order lasting 18 months was also imposed pending any appeal.
A spokesperson for Nuffield Health said the organisation had acted after becoming aware of the allegations.
“We were made aware of this case and concerns were investigated promptly, with appropriate action taken — including a referral to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC),” the spokesperson said.
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