The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a GHC 50,000 cash award for Naomi Oyo Ohene-Oti, a Ghanaian oncology nurse who recently won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
Madam Ohene-Oti, who was recognised internationally for her outstanding contributions to cancer care, presented her accolade to the Ministry of Health in Accra.
Congratulating her on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, on August 26, 2026, Mr Akandoh said her achievement was a source of national pride and a reflection of the dedication, compassion, and professional excellence of Ghanaian nurses.
“This is not just your personal triumph but also a testament to the hard work of nurses across the country who serve in critical roles, often in deprived areas where doctors may be absent,” the Minister stated.
He reaffirmed that nurses remain the backbone of healthcare delivery in Ghana and outlined ongoing government interventions to support their welfare. These include the reduction of nursing training school fees by almost half compared to last year, continued payment of trainee allowances, and plans to upgrade some training institutions into degree-awarding facilities.
Turning to Mrs. Ohene-Oti, the Minister commended her for raising Ghana’s flag high 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.
Hon. Akandoh expressed confidence that her recognition would inspire other health professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, to strive for excellence internationally.
He further called for stronger collaboration among the public, regulators, unions, and health training institutions in shaping a more resilient 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 stressed.
The Minister pledged that the government will continue to recognise and support health workers whose contributions advance healthcare delivery and project Ghana positively on the world stage.
