In a monumental moment for African healthcare and nursing excellence, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has been crowned the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025. The prestigious international award, which comes with a $250,000 cash prize, honours nurses who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and leadership in the healthcare sector.
Chosen from over 100,000 nominations spanning 199 countries, Naomi emerged victorious among 10 remarkable global finalists. Her triumph not only highlights her individual brilliance but also places Ghanaian—and African—nursing on the world stage.
A Grand Celebration of Nursing Excellence
The award ceremony took place on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Dubai, where healthcare leaders from around the globe gathered to honour the contributions of nurses. Naomi’s name was called amidst applause and emotion, and her reaction to receiving the award was a heartfelt reminder of the dedication and sacrifices that healthcare professionals make daily.
A Pioneer in Cancer Care Across Africa
Naomi is more than a nurse—she is a trailblazer in oncology nursing. As the Head of Nursing at Ghana’s National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, her impact has been transformative.
With a career spanning over 23 years, Naomi has:
- Pioneered Ghana’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015
- Mentored over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses
- Elevated standards in cancer treatment and training in Ghana and beyond
Her leadership extends across borders. Naomi is a member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology Grant, and serves as global faculty for the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s cancer management programs.
Awards and Recognition
Her achievements have been recognised both locally and internationally. She has received:
- The Ministry of Health’s Excellence Award
- The Dr. Dorcia Kisseh International Award
These accolades reflect her commitment not only to treating cancer patients but also to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
African Women in Global Spaces
Naomi’s win represents a broader narrative: the rise of African women in healthcare leadership and global recognition of their invaluable contributions. She joins the ranks of previous award winners such as:
- Anna Qabale Duba (Kenya, 2022)
- Margaret Helen Shepherd (UK, 2023)
- Maria Victoria Juan (Philippines, 2024)
In 2025, Naomi shared the finalist stage with another African woman, Khadija Mohamed Juma from Kenya, further showcasing the continent’s excellence in nursing.
The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award
Launched by Aster DM Healthcare, the award aims to spotlight the phenomenal work of nurses worldwide, elevate their voices, and invest in the future of healthcare by recognising those who lead with compassion, innovation, and resilience.
Each year, finalists are selected based on clinical expertise, leadership, community impact, and innovation in patient care. Naomi’s victory is a testament to her unmatched commitment in all these areas.
Final Thoughts
At Just4WomenAfrica, we proudly celebrate Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti’s historic achievement. She exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, break barriers, and serve with a heart full of courage. Her story is not just about winning an award—it is about paving the way for thousands of women across Africa who are quietly changing the world, one patient at a time.
Congratulations, Naomi! Africa is proud.
Stay tuned and watch the award presentation video below.
Follow us for more stories of African women making history.
