Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, a Ghanaian Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has been named the winner of the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, receiving a prize of USD 250,000 at a grand ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Oti emerged the top finalist out of over 100,000 applicants from 199 countries, a milestone that not only underscores her remarkable professional contributions but also casts global recognition on the role of African nurses in shaping world-class healthcare.
The award was presented by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence at an event was attended by key leaders of Aster DM Healthcare and other dignitaries.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Naomi Ohene 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 been instrumental in transforming cancer care and specialist nurse training in Ghana. She played a leading role in launching the country’s postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum and has since trained over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses, dramatically improving access to specialist cancer care.
Her efforts extend beyond Ghana. She serves on the education and training committee of AORTIC (African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer), collaborates with global institutions such as the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada and ASCO, and has mentored over 48 oncology nurses across Africa.
Her advocacy for equity in healthcare has earned her national honours, including the Ghana Ministry of Health Excellence Award and the Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, said:
“Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse – not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker.”
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, launched in 2021 by Aster DM Healthcare, aims to celebrate the contributions of nurses worldwide in fields like leadership, research, innovation, and community service. This year’s edition saw 28% growth in entries, further reflecting the growing interest in recognising the impact of nurses globally.
Finalists from countries including Switzerland, Kenya, India, the USA, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea were also celebrated for their outstanding contributions. The selection process was overseen by Ernst & Young LLP, involving both a screening jury and a grand jury.
Nurse Oti plans to use the award to scale training programs, build faculty capacity, and inspire the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa, furthering her mission to advance nursing as “a force for social justice, equity, and hope.“
