Naomi Oye Ohene Oti, a nurse oncologist at the National Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle Bu, has made Ghana proud by winning the esteemed Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in Dubai. This prestigious award, which comes with a cash prize of $250,000, is a recognition of her exceptional dedication and expertise in the field of oncology nursing.
Upon her return to Ghana, Naomi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all who came to congratulate her, emphasizing that this recognition is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the tireless efforts of oncology nurses across Ghana, Africa, and the world.
“This award is a catalyst for change and a testament to the impact of nursing excellence,” she said. “I envision nurses taking more prominent roles in healthcare, and this win will contribute to capacity building in our field, especially for children.”
The celebration was made even more special with nurses and family members gathering in large numbers to congratulate her, making it a memorable day for the award-winning Nurse Oncologist. This achievement not only brings honour to Naomi but also shines a spotlight on the critical role nurses play in healthcare, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
As part of the global observance of Emergency Medicine Day 2025, the Accident and Emergency Department of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital joined the Emergency Medicine Society of Ghana to celebrate the dedication and resilience of emergency healthcare professionals.
This year’s celebration is under the theme “Proud to Provide Your Emergency Care.”
A series of activities planned to mark the day includes media engagement by a team of emergency medicine specialists at the department. The team also advocated for government support in equipping emergency units with the necessary tools and equipment.
A health walk was held through the hospital and surrounding community to raise awareness about the vital role of emergency medicine. Staff and participants took part in aerobics sessions aimed at promoting the importance of physical wellness in emergency healthcare delivery.
A blood donation exercise was organized within the hospital, where staff were encouraged to donate blood as it can save a life during emergencies.
In addition, a free health screening for hospital staff and relatives of patients was also done. Screenings included BMI checks, blood pressure monitoring, hepatitis B and C testing, BUECR, among others.
Side attraction during the celebration was a food bazaar, which offered healthy meals to staff at discounted prices and relaxing massages by the Physiotherapy Department, promoting staff wellness also at a discounted rate.
To strengthen emergency response skills, Basic Life Support (BLS) training was held for staff, along with an educational session on preventing and managing needle and sharps injuries at the emergency.
In an act of kindness, wellness packages were distributed to all patients on admission and triage, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to patient-centered care.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Y. S. Adam, together with some members of the hospital’s management team, paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of the National Lottery Authority (NLA), Mr. Mohammed Abdul Salam.
The purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the newly appointed CEO to the NLA Management and to seek support from the institution in addressing some of the pressing challenges facing the hospital.
Dr. Adam mentioned that the Hospital’s priority is always to deliver world standard healthcare services.
This, he said, would be best executed if the infrastructure and logistical constraints are addressed.
Government alone, he noted can’t shoulder this burden. Hence, the urgent support from Corporate Ghana is critical in delivering seamless healthcare
In his response, Mr. Abdul-Salam stated that the NLA has a commitment to supporting social development, particularly in the areas of healthcare, sports, and support for persons with disabilities.
He noted that the NLA contributes significantly to national development and that its impact is evaluated based on the positive changes it is able to effect in society.
Mr. Abdul Salam assured the delegation of NLA’s commitment to assist the hospital and also called on other organizations and stakeholders to support the hospital in addressing its needs.
Members of the hospital’s management team present at the meeting included the Acting Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Harry Akoto; the Acting Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services, Madam Aimee Akotey; Director Administration, Mr. Munir Alhassan, Executive Assistant, Mr. Phanuel Gadzie; Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mustapha Salifu; and other representatives from the Public Relations Unit.
Representing the NLA were the Director of Finance, Dr. Martin Amaniampong; and the Good Cause Coordinator, Dr. Abdul Rauf Kadiru, and Umar Farouk Abubakari
The Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Y. S. Adam, in a bid to foster unity and shared responsibility, has called on unions across the hospital to join hands in building a more efficient and responsive healthcare system.
He made this passionate appeal in a meeting with the leadership of the various unions in the hospital as part of his effort to familiarize himself with ongoing issues and gain a deeper understanding of staff concerns.
“Let’s work together to make the system work,”CEO stated.
The meeting served as an opportunity for dialogue, where union leaders shared vex issues confronting the unions and their members.
Among the issues discussed were delays in the payment of 13th-month arrears, concerns about security on the hospital premises, and the inadequate staff accommodation.
Other matters include the need for a reliable staff bus shuttle, requests for amnesty, and a proposal for the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professionals to be recognized as a Directorate within the hospital’s structure.
The union leaders expressed their readiness to collaborate with management in addressing these challenges. They emphasized the importance of continuous engagement, open communication, and mutual respect in finding workable solutions that would benefit both staff and the overall functioning of the hospital.
In his response, Dr. Adam acknowledged the concerns raised and reaffirms management commitment to resolving them.
He emphasized the need for collective responsibility and stressed that meaningful change could only be achieved through cooperation and shared vision.
Members of the management team who accompanied him also provided input on some of the issues and contributed suggestions aimed at improving systems and staff welfare.
Present at the meeting were, the Director of Administration, Mr. Alhassan Munir; Ag. Director of Finance, Mr. Gideon Gawuga; Director of Human Resources, Mr. Yehuza Jawula; Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Harry Akoto; Executive Assistant to the CEO, Mr. Phanuel Gadzie; and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Mustapha Salifu.
The unions represented at the meeting included Dr. Asare Offei and Dr. Nyamekye – Baidoo from Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA), Prosper Kpobi from Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Emmanuel Allotey and Michael Adom Bigah from Health Accounting Staff Association of Ghana (HASAG), Caesor Bawa from Health Service Workers Union (HSWU), Edward Nkansah and John Kofi Nakoja from Medical Laboratory Professional Workers’ Union (MELPWU), and Michael Nyamadi, Edward Ayew and Dr. Francis Kwakye Antwi from the Ghana Federation of Allied Health Professionals (GFAHP).
The Board Chairman of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Professor Dr. Dr. (MED) Titus Kofi Beyuo, Member of Parliament, led a high-powered delegation from the Hospital today to pay courtesy visits to two key traditional leaders – the Sempe Korle Bu Mantse, Nii Laryea Korle Bu Akwashong I, and the Korle Gonno Mantse, Nii Tackie Ouwuo IV.
The visits, which form part of the hospital’s stakeholder engagement strategy, were aimed at officially introducing the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, and the current management team to the traditional authorities. The engagement also sought to deepen collaboration between the hospital and the local communities within which it operates.
At the Sempe Mantse’s Palace, the traditional leader and his entourage warmly received the delegation and expressed gratitude for the visit. He emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration between traditional authorities and public institutions such as KBTH.
Mr. Mustapha Salifu, Head of the Public Relations Unit at KBTH, explained that the visit was an important gesture of respect and a step towards building strong relationships, especially with the appointment of new leadership at the hospital. He introduced the Board members and Directors present.
As a sign of goodwill, the hospital presented the chiefs with packs of bottled water, bottles of schnapps, and a monetary donation.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital, Board Chairman Professor Titus Beyuo underscored the value of mutual cooperation and urged the traditional leaders to support the new management. He assured them of KBTH’s commitment to maintaining open channels of communication and collaboration with the community.
In response, the Sempe Mantse conveyed his heartfelt appreciation and pledged the palace’s support. He also indicated the palace’s intention to reciprocate the visit by officially engaging the hospital leadership in the near future.
The team later proceeded to the palace of the Korle Gonno Mantse, Nii Tackie Ouwuo IV, where a similarly warm reception awaited them. The Queen Mother of Korle Gonno praised the contributions of KBTH to the community and expressed optimism in the new direction under the current government.
In his remarks, Professor Beyuo reaffirmed that while Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is a national institution, it recognizes and values the communities in which it resides, especially the Korle Gonno people. He called for collective effort and unity to sustain the growth and success of the hospital.
Following the traditional visits, the delegation embarked on a working tour of key operational facilities within the hospital, including the Central Stores and the Mortuary. This tour aimed to familiarize the Board members with the hospital’s infrastructure, logistics, and operational challenges. The team received briefings on inventory management, supply chain issues, and the status of the mortuary facility.
Board Chairman Professor Beyuo reiterated that such visits are part of a broader agenda to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability across all hospital operations. “We come together for a better Korle Bu,” he emphasized.
Present for the visits were KBTH Board members:
Mr. James Odartey Mills, Dr. Mary Eyram Ami Ashinyo, Mr. Gaeten Charles Adangabey, Mr. Nii Sekoh Abbey-Ashong, Ms. Mavis Amerley Frimpong Osei, Mr. Samuel Ayitey Aryee, Mr. Bukro Albert.
The Management team included:
Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member; Mr. Gideon Gawuga, Ag. Director of Finance; Mr. Yehuza Jawula, Director of Human Resources; Mr. Munir Alhassan Director of Administration; Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm, Director of Pharmacy; Mrs. Grace Anyomi, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services; Mrs. Felicity Commey, Deputy Director of Supply Chain; Mr. Mustapha Salifu, Head of Public Relations; Mr. Phanuel Gedzie, Executive Assistant to the CEO; Ms. Sandra Boamah, Secretary to the Board.
The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, with other officials from the ministry, has paid an unannounced visit to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department and the Department of Surgery at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. During the visit, he stated that he had received numerous complaints from the public and decided to witness the situation first-hand.
He indicated that a meeting with hospital management would be held to deliberate on how best to find practical solutions to the issues identified. He emphasized that finding effective solutions was the most important priority at the moment.
Hon. Akandoh noted that the problem of faulty lifts had been identified some time ago and that steps were already underway to address it. Approval has been granted for the repair and procurement of new lifts, and the processes for their installation are currently ongoing.
He also announced that new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and policy directions are being developed to enhance healthcare delivery.
As part of broader reforms, the Minister revealed a new government policy whereby all medical equipment procured or used at the facility will be associated with a dedicated account. Revenue generated from the use of such equipment will be deposited into this account and used exclusively for maintenance and repairs.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that revenue-generating units within the hospital remain operational at all times.
The Minister expressed concern about the poor maintenance culture observed at the facility and called for immediate improvements in that regard.
In a related development, an Oncology Nurse Speacialist, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, approached the Minister to share the news of her recent recognition in an international award scheme. She had been selected among the top ten out of 100,000 applicants and was the only Ghanaian to receive the honour. The Minister congratulated and encouraged her, commending her for her outstanding achievement.
The visit was attended by several key members of the hospital’s Central Management Team, including the Director of Medical Affairs, Dr. Frank Owusu-Sekyere; the Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Mrs. Grace Anyomi; the Director of Pharmacy, Dr. Charles Ofei-Palm; the Director of Finance, Mr. Gideon Gawuga; the Director of Administration, Mr. Alhassan Munir; the Director of General Services, Mr. Fredrick Ado-Yobo; the Director of Human Resources, Mr. Jawula Yehuza; and the Head of Public Relations, Mr. Mustapha Salufu, along with heads of the respective departments and other hospital staff.
