April 30, 2026
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has officially launched the second cohort of the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) on Monday, April 27, 2026, affirming its commitment to strengthening cancer care leadership across Africa. The event, held at the School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences (SSBS) Auditorium at the University’s main campus at Sokode-Lokoe, Ho, Ghana brought together participants, academics and health professionals from 17 countries.
In his welcome address, Professor Peter Adatara, Dean of UHAS School of Nursing and Midwifery, highlighted the programme’s role in building leadership capacity among oncology nurses.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, followed with a detailed presentation on ONLEP’s vision, describing it as a strategic response to the growing demand for strong leadership in cancer care, especially in low- and middle-income countries. She explained that the six-month, fully funded programme equips nurses with competencies in leadership, policy development, research and health systems management.
Professor Aziato acknowledged the support of key partners - the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) and Amgen - and revealed that Cohort 2 attracted over 200 applicants, with 70 participants selected, most of them women. She emphasized UHAS’ goal of training at least 240 oncology nurse leaders within five years.
Representatives from partner organizations echoed the programme’s importance. Professor Winnie So of ISNCC affirmed the society’s dedication to advancing excellence and equity in oncology nursing worldwide. Martha Lillian Ordońez Suarez of C/Can urged participants to use the training as a platform to influence change within their institutions and countries, stressing the need for locally driven leadership in cancer care.
UHAS leaders also delivered powerful messages. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Frank Edwin shared a personal story of cancer in his family, urging participants to lead with empathy and patient-centered care. Professor Martin Ayanore, Dean of UHAS School of Graduate Studies, encouraged participants to embrace their roles as “scholars of change,” while Mrs. Forston Asante, Chief Nursing Officer of the Volta Regional Directorate of Health, underscored the urgent need for strengthened oncology leadership in the region.
Mr. Courage Kwame-Kumah of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) highlighted challenges such as caregiver support and cultural barriers to early detection, calling for innovative public education strategies. On behalf of the participants, Ms. Doris Machaki from Kenya expressed gratitude to programme partners and pledged the cohort’s commitment to excellence.
The launch of ONLEP Cohort 2 marks another milestone in UHAS’ mission to position itself as a hub for advancing oncology nursing leadership. With its focus on capacity building, collaboration and patient-centered care, the programme is poised to transform cancer care outcomes across Africa.