By Nadia Ntiamoah
In a landmark achievement for Ghana’s healthcare sector, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, a distinguished Oncology Nurse Specialist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, clinching the top prize of $250,000 at a glittering ceremony in Dubai on Monday, May 26, 2025.
Naomi’s victory stands as a defining moment in the annals of Ghanaian nursing, marking the first time a Ghanaian nurse has claimed the prestigious global award since its inception.
Selected from a staggering pool of over 100,000 nominations spanning 199 countries, her selection underscores not only her personal dedication but also Ghana’s growing reputation in global health leadership and specialized care.
Career Defined by Innovation and Service
Currently serving as the Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle Bu, Naomi has been a central figure in shaping cancer care delivery in Ghana.
With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, she made a historic impact in 2015 by pioneering Ghana’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum.
This program has since trained more than 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 dedicated breast care nurses, significantly strengthening Ghana’s capacity to treat and manage cancer.
Beyond her work in Ghana, Naomi has gained international recognition as a thought leader and educator.
She serves as a global faculty member with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), contributing to its Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses.
She is also a member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology Grant—evidence of her deep involvement in advancing cancer research and treatment protocols across Africa.
Recognition on a Global Stage
In her acceptance speech, Naomi delivered an emotional tribute to her roots and the nursing community.
“This honour is not just for me—it’s for Ghana, for Africa, and for every nurse who believes in the power of compassion and knowledge to transform lives,” she said, holding the audience’s attention with both humility and pride.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, established in 2022, celebrates extraordinary contributions by nurses around the world.
Past winners include Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya (2022), Margaret Helen Shepherd from the UK (2023), and Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines (2024).
Naomi now joins this distinguished circle, representing not only Ghana but also a continent whose healthcare heroes are often unsung.
The 2025 edition of the award saw finalists from ten countries including the USA, Switzerland, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, UAE, Kenya, and Ghana.
Naomi’s selection among such a globally competitive field highlights the universal value of her work and the urgent need to spotlight excellence within African healthcare systems.
National Pride and Institutional Praise
The Ministry of Health has hailed Naomi’s achievement as a “monumental moment” for Ghana’s nursing profession, noting that her win showcases the potential for local healthcare professionals to influence global standards.
“Her leadership in oncology nursing is a testament to the talent and commitment that exists within our healthcare workforce,” a ministry statement read.
