She was chosen from over 100,000 nominations submitted by 199 countries.

The award recognises exceptional nurses who have demonstrated exemplary commitment and leadership in advancing health care.

Her selection, along with Kenya’s Khadija Mohamed Juma, marks a significant moment for African healthcare excellence on the global stage. The eventual winner will be announced at a grand ceremony in Dubai on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Mrs Oti, who also serves as Head of Nursing at Ghana’s National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, is being recognised for her transformative impact on cancer care across Africa. 

With over a 23-year career, Mrs Oti has pioneered specialist oncology training in Ghana, mentored over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses, and helped develop the country’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015.

Her work extends beyond Ghana’s borders. She is a member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) and a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology Grant.

She also serves as global faculty for the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses.

Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Ministry of Health’s Excellence Award and the Dr Dorcia Kisseh International Award.

Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, praised the impact of the two African finalists.

“Their stories demonstrate extraordinary courage, innovation, and commitment to community health, whether it's transforming cancer care or revolutionising blood donation systems.

These nurses are redefining leadership in healthcare,” he said.

To recognise the phenomenal contribution of nurses to humanity and bring key stakeholders together, Aster DM Healthcare conducted the first-ever Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award ceremony on May 12, 2022, at the International Nurses Day at the Atlantis, Dubai, where Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya emerged victorious from among 24,000 nurses.

The second edition of the award took place at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London on May 12, 2023, with the UK’s leading nurse for monogenic diabetes, Margaret Helen Shepherd, winning the grand prize of $250,000.

In 2024, the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was held in the Silicon Valley of India, and Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines, a Consultant at the Philippines Army Health Services and Colonel, Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, won the $250,000 cash prize.

The 2025 finalists are Catherine Maree Holliday, Switzerland; Edith Namba, Papua New Guinea; Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho, UAE; Dr Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre, Hong Kong SAR; Dr Jose Arnold Tariga, USA; Khadija Mohamed Juma, Kenya; Maheswari Jaganathan, Malaysia; Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Ghana; Dr Sukhpal Kaur, India; and Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya, India. 

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mrs Oti said she felt humbled by the award, saying a win for her would be a win for the whole nursing fraternity in the country.

She said it had not been easy for her since the application, adding that it took her three days to complete the application process.

She thanked God, her family, her institution and all who had supported her to come this far.

In a separate interview, the Public Relations Officer at the KBTH, Mustapha Salifu, said the management of the hospital had over the past few weeks rallied support from the staff and other people for Mrs Oti.

He said the hospital supported her to fulfil all the requirements needed when she was bidding for the award.

Writer’s email:[email protected]