Ghana’s Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti Wins $250K Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. The honour, which comes with a $250,000 prize, celebrates exceptional nurses worldwide who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, innovation, and impact in healthcare.

Mrs. Ohene Oti’s recognition is a significant milestone for Ghana and a powerful testament to the vital role nurses play in cancer care and beyond. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Dubai on Monday, May 26.

Reflecting on her journey, she said:

“Over two decades ago, I began my nursing journey with a simple mission: to ease pain, bring hope, and walk alongside those battling cancer. In Sub-Saharan Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the inequities in cancer care, especially in under-resourced communities. But I have also seen the immense potential of nurses to lead transformative change.”

Mrs. Ohene Oti was selected as one of the top 10 finalists from over 100,000 nominations submitted by nurses across 199 countries. Her selection followed a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process led by expert and grand jury panels, and independently moderated by Ernst & Young LLP.

Her work at Ghana’s leading oncology centre has been lauded for its clinical excellence, compassionate care, and unwavering advocacy for improved cancer treatment. Driven by a passion for equitable healthcare, she has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in palliative care, enhance patient support systems, and raise awareness about early cancer detection and treatment.

“My passion for oncology nursing was born out of a desire to bridge this gap and deliver compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most,” she noted.

A highly respected leader in oncology nursing both nationally and internationally, Mrs. Ohene Oti has been instrumental in the development of formal oncology nurse training in Ghana. Under her leadership, more than 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses have been trained, significantly strengthening cancer care capacity in the country.

She also serves on the Education and Training Committee for the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and is a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology GM Grant. Through her mentorship and contributions to policy and competency development, she has supported over 48 nurses across Africa and played a key role in shaping cancer care strategies on the continent.

Her nurse-led initiatives in education and research are reshaping the landscape of oncology nursing in Africa, positioning the profession as a central force in the continent’s cancer control response.

Also Read: https://12framesonline.com/dr-yennusom-maalug-appointed-acting-director-of-pantang-psychiatric-hospital/

“This award is more than recognition, it is a catalyst for lasting change,” she said. “It affirms my dreams and empowers me to do even more. I am committed to using this platform to amplify the voices of African nurses, expand access to cancer care, and build a legacy of leadership and excellence in oncology nursing across Africa.”

The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is an initiative of Aster DM Healthcare, created to honour nurses who go above and beyond in their duties to care, heal, and innovate. Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti’s win places her among an elite group of healthcare professionals making a transformative impact on lives around the world. As she brings the award home, Mrs. Ohene Oti carries not only international acclaim but also the hopes of a continent striving to improve healthcare through dedication, compassion, and visionary leadership.

Catch a glimpse of the full video here:

https://web.facebook.com/share/v/16UkADyQz6

Read more: