In a moment of pride for Ghana and Africa’s healthcare community, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, a distinguished oncology nurse and educator, has been named one of ten global finalists for the prestigious Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025—an honour that carries a grand prize of $250,000.
Oti, who leads the nursing department at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, stood out from over 100,000 nominees spanning 199 countries. According to organizers, this year’s submissions reflect a 28% increase from last year, marking a new milestone for the global award.
The announcement was made on May 7 by Aster DM Healthcare, which launched the award to recognize nurses who go above and beyond in advancing patient care, education, leadership, and community health.
A Career Marked by Vision and Impact
Naomi Oti’s impact on cancer care in Ghana has been nothing short of transformative. She pioneered the country’s first structured oncology nurse training programme—an initiative that has already trained over 60 certified oncology nursesand 10 specialized breast care nurses.
But her influence doesn’t stop at Ghana’s borders.
Oti is also a leading figure in regional cancer research and policy. She plays an active role in the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and contributes to the Global Bridges Oncology Grant as a co-investigator. Through her mentorship, nearly 50 nurses across Africa have been empowered to take up leadership roles in cancer treatment and research.
“Naomi embodies what it means to lead with both skill and heart,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare. “She and her fellow finalists are redefining the nursing profession as not just clinical, but strategic and transformative.”
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African Excellence on the Global Stage
Oti is one of two African finalists this year, joined by Kenya’s Khadija Mohamed Juma, whose innovative RedSplash app is revolutionizing emergency blood donation systems in East Africa.
The ten finalists represent a cross-section of global talent, with honorees from India, the U.S., Switzerland, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the UAE, and Hong Kong SAR. Each finalist was selected through a rigorous evaluation process led by international healthcare experts and the award’s Grand Jury, with independent oversight from Ernst & Young LLP.
Looking Ahead: A Historic Moment for Ghana
The final winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award will be announced on May 26, 2025, at a high-profile ceremony in Dubai. The decision will be based on both public voting and interviews with the Grand Jury.
Whether or not Naomi Oti takes home the top prize, her nomination alone signals a resounding recognition of Ghana’s growing leadership in healthcare innovation—particularly in oncology nursing.
For many, her story is more than a personal milestone. It’s a reflection of the quiet but powerful revolution being led by African nurses: one where compassion meets bold leadership, and where local impact is increasingly shaping global health narratives.
As Ghana watches and waits, one thing is clear—Naomi Oti has already won the hearts of many, simply by doing what she does best: showing up, teaching, healing, and leading with purpose.
