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Naomi Ohene Oti makes Ghana proud …wins $250,000 Global Nursing Award in Dubai
A ghanaian nurse, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, on Monday, May 26 became the first Ghanaian to win the coveted 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in Dubai, since its inception.
She received the award, which comes with a $250,000 cash prize, after she was selected from over 100,000 nominations from 199 countries.
The award places Ghana on the global healthcare map and marks a significant moment not only for her professional journey but also for Ghana’s growing influence in global health.
Naomi’s win places her alongside past recipients of the award, including Kenya’s Anna Qabale Duba (2022), the UK’s Margaret Helen Shepherd (2023), and the Philippines’ Maria Victoria Juan (2024).
This year’s finalists represented 10 countries, including the USA, Switzerland, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, UAE, Kenya, and Ghana. Among such global talent, Naomi stood out, waving Ghana’s flag high on a prestigious international platform.
Naomi, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, is currently serving as Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre at the facility.
Naomi has played a transformative role in advancing cancer care in Ghana. With a career spanning more than two decades, she pioneered the country’s first postgraduate oncology nursing curriculum in 2015 and has since mentored over 60 oncology nurse specialists and 10 breast care nurses.
She is also a respected voice in international cancer research and education, and serves as a global faculty member for the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Multidisciplinary Cancer Management Courses.
Again, Naomi is a member of the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), and a co-investigator on the Global Bridges Oncology Grant.
The Ministry of Health has described her achievement as a testament to the dedication and excellence within Ghana’s nursing profession.
According to the Ministry, “Naomi’s dedication to cancer care, service, and innovative contributions to Oncology Nursing have earned her global recognition.
It also said as a former recipient of the Ministry of Health’s Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Award, this latest honour reflects Naomi’s continued impact and leadership in advancing healthcare in Ghana and beyond
Her leadership in oncology care, according to the Ministry, highlights the capacity of Ghanaian nurses to make global impact and signals a growing recognition of the country’s healthcare
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
