Government has enrolled nearly 500 nurses into newly introduced post-basic specialist nursing programmes under the MahamaCares Initiative to strengthen the country’s specialist healthcare workforce.
The nurses were officially admitted during the joint matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic year, where government officials described the initiative as a strategic investment aimed at addressing the growing demand for specialised healthcare services across the country.
“The new post-basic nursing programme will equip nurses with specialised skills to tackle rising non-communicable diseases.”
Ministry of Health Noted
The programme introduces, for the first time at the post-basic level, specialist nursing training in Cardiology, Nephrology, Endocrinology and Oncology, while expanding existing programmes in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing.
The initiative forms part of government’s broader efforts to improve access to specialist healthcare and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, said the programme reflects government’s commitment to equipping the health sector with the skilled workforce needed to respond to Ghana’s changing disease profile.
He noted that the country is witnessing a steady rise in non-communicable diseases, making specialised healthcare professionals increasingly indispensable to improving patient outcomes.
“The admission of nearly 500 nurses into these specialist programmes is a strategic investment in Ghana’s health workforce. Through this initiative, we are equipping our nurses with the expertise required to deliver advanced and quality specialist healthcare services across the country”.
Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
Responding to the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases
The expansion of specialist nursing education comes against the backdrop of the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Ghana.
Government statistics indicate that non-communicable diseases account for approximately 45 percent of all deaths in the country, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen specialised healthcare services and preventive interventions.
they identified cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension and cancer among the leading contributors to premature deaths, with lifestyle changes, ageing populations and delayed diagnosis contributing significantly to the growing burden.
Officials believe that expanding the pool of specialist nurses will improve early detection, specialised treatment and long-term management of these conditions while easing pressure on referral hospitals.
The Minister explained that the MahamaCares Initiative represents a long-term investment in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare delivery system by ensuring that patients have greater access to highly trained professionals capable of managing complex medical conditions.
New Specialisations to Expand Healthcare Capacity
A major highlight of the programme is the introduction of four specialist nursing disciplines that were previously unavailable at the post-basic level.
These include Cardiology Nursing, Nephrology Nursing, Endocrinology Nursing, and Oncology Nursing, all of which are expected to play a critical role in improving the management of chronic diseases affecting thousands of Ghanaians each year.
The programme also expands training opportunities in Emergency Nursingand Critical Care Nursing, areas considered essential to improving emergency response and intensive care services within the country’s health facilities.
According to the Ministry of Health, the training will be delivered through selected institutions with the capacity to provide specialised clinical education and practical experience.
Government believes the initiative will not only strengthen specialist healthcare delivery but also improve the resilience of Ghana’s health system by developing a workforce capable of responding to increasingly complex medical needs.
Students Urged to Pursue Excellence
Hon. Akandoh encouraged them to approach their training with discipline, professionalism and dedication.
He reminded the nurses that the knowledge and skills they acquire would directly influence the quality of care delivered to patients across the country.
“Your training is not only an investment in your professional development but also an investment in the future of Ghana’s healthcare system. We expect you to demonstrate excellence, integrity and compassion as you prepare to serve the nation,”.
Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh
The Minister further stressed that specialist nurses will play a vital role in improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly as Ghana continues to expand specialised medical care beyond major urban centres.
Prevention Remains Key
Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and called for stronger preventive measures to complement investments in specialist healthcare.
She observed that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and cancer continue to rise, largely due to lifestyle factors and delayed diagnosis.
According to her, strengthening primary healthcare remains essential to reducing the pressure on hospitals and specialist care facilities.
“While expanding specialist training is critical, prevention must remain at the centre of our healthcare strategy. Early screening, timely diagnosis and stronger primary healthcare systems are essential to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases
Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah
She urged healthcare professionals to champion health promotion initiatives within their communities while supporting government efforts to improve early detection and disease prevention.
Principal Encourages Discipline and Commitment
The Principal of the School of Peri-Operative and Critical Care Nursing, Mrs. Faustina Excel Adipa, congratulated the newly admitted students and encouraged them to remain focused throughout their academic journey.
She described the specialist training programme as a significant opportunity to develop highly skilled professionals capable of transforming healthcare delivery in Ghana.
“This programme is a long-term investment in strengthening Ghana’s healthcare delivery. Your commitment, discipline and determination throughout your training will determine the impact you make in the lives of patients and communities,”
Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah
She also encouraged the students to uphold the highest ethical standards while embracing continuous learning and professional development.
Strengthening Universal Health Coverage
The MahamaCares Initiative forms part of government’s broader healthcare agenda aimed at improving access to specialist services while addressing critical workforce shortages in the health sector.
By expanding specialist nursing education, government expects to improve healthcare outcomes for patients suffering from chronic and life-threatening conditions while strengthening the overall capacity of health facilities nationwide.
Officials maintain that investing in specialist nurses is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage reducing preventable deaths and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Ghanaians.
As the maiden cohort begins training, the programme is expected to produce a new generation of highly skilled specialist nurses who will support hospitals and healthcare institutions in delivering advanced patient care, particularly in the management of cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, endocrine conditions, cancer and medical emergencies.
The initiative also reinforces government’s commitment to building a resilient health system capable of responding effectively to Ghana’s evolving healthcare needs while improving the quality of life of citizens through accessible and specialised medical care.
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