The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has announced a GH¢50,000 cash support package for Mrs. Naomi Oyo Ohene-Oti, a Ghanaian oncology nurse who recently won the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
The gesture took place on Tuesday, 26 August 2025, when Mrs. Ohene-Oti paid a courtesy call on the Minister at his office.
Mrs. Ohene-Oti, who was honoured for her outstanding contributions to cancer care, presented her award to the Ministry of Health. On behalf of the government and the people of Ghana, the Minister congratulated her for bringing international recognition to the country through dedication, compassion, and professional excellence.
Hon. Akandoh said Mrs. Ohene-Oti’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the hard work of Ghanaian nurses who serve in critical roles across the health system, particularly in underserved areas. “Nurses are the backbone of healthcare delivery; they often serve communities where doctors may be absent,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to supporting their welfare.
Outlining recent interventions, the Minister stated that nursing training school fees have been reduced by nearly half compared to last year to ease the financial burden on students. He also noted that nursing trainee allowances are being paid and that the government is working to convert some training institutions into degree-awarding facilities.
Turning to Mrs. Ohene-Oti, the Minister commended her for elevating Ghana’s profile and expressed confidence that her recognition will inspire other health professionals — including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses — to pursue excellence on the global stage. “Your achievement is Ghana’s achievement. We are proud of you, and this support package comes from the Ministry of Health and the people of Ghana who stand behind you,” he said.
He called on the public, regulators, unions, and health training institutions to collaborate closely with the government to build a stronger, more resilient health sector. “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 to continue recognising and supporting health workers whose contributions advance healthcare delivery and promote Ghana internationally.
As part of her prize, Mrs. Ohene-Oti received US$250,000 from the organisers of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.
