The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a cash award of GHC 50,000 for Naomi Oyo Ohene-Oti, a Ghanaian oncology nurse who recently won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
Madam Ohene-Oti, celebrated for her exceptional contributions to cancer care, formally presented her award to the Ministry of Health in Accra. Addressing the ceremony on August 26, 2025, the minister praised her achievement as a source of national pride and a testament to the commitment, compassion, and professional excellence of Ghanaian nurses.
“This is not just your personal triumph but also a reflection of the hard work of nurses across the country who serve in critical roles, often in deprived areas where doctors may be absent,” Mr. Akandoh noted.
He emphasized that nurses remain the backbone of Ghana’s healthcare system and outlined ongoing government measures to improve their welfare. These include a reduction in nursing training school fees by nearly half compared to last year, continued payment of trainee allowances, and plans to upgrade some nursing institutions into degree-awarding facilities.
The minister commended Mrs. Ohene-Oti for showcasing Ghana’s capabilities on the global stage. “Your achievement is Ghana’s achievement. Today, we are proud of you, and this support package is not just from me but from the Ministry of Health and the people of Ghana who stand behind you,” he said.
Mr. Akandoh expressed hope that her recognition would inspire other health professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, to pursue excellence internationally. He also called for greater collaboration among the public, regulators, unions, and training institutions to strengthen the country’s health system.
“Wisdom is not in one person’s head. Together, we can make Ghana’s healthcare system one of the best on the continent,” he said, assuring that government will continue to acknowledge and support health workers whose contributions enhance healthcare delivery and promote Ghana’s image globally.
