Ghanaian nurse named world’s best at 2025 Global Nursing Awards for transforming cancer care

Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, a Ghanaian Oncology Nurse Specialist, has won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, taking home a $250,000 prize at a ceremony in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Oti is the Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

She was chosen from more than 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, making her achievement a proud moment not only for Ghana but for the entire African continent. Her selection highlights the critical role African nurses play in advancing global healthcare.

The award was presented by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, in the presence of leaders from Aster DM Healthcare and other dignitaries.

In her acceptance speech, Oti said, “To be honoured with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is deeply humbling. This recognition is not mine alone, it belongs to every nurse across Ghana, Africa, and the world who leads with resilience, compassion, and courage… Nursing is not just a profession, it is a force for social justice, equity, and hope.”

With more than 20 years of experience, Nurse Oti has played a major role in improving cancer care in Ghana. She helped launch the country’s postgraduate oncology nursing program and has trained over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses. These efforts have significantly improved access to cancer care.

Her influence reaches beyond Ghana. She serves on the education and training committee of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), works with global partners such as the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada and ASCO, and has mentored more than 48 oncology nurses across Africa.

She has already received national recognition for her work, including the Ghana Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, praised her achievements, saying, “Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse, not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker.”

Naomi Ohene Oti plans to use her prize money to expand training programs, build faculty capacity, and continue inspiring the next generation of African oncology nurses.