Accra: Dr Fiona Braka, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative to Ghana, emphasized that the core tenet of leadership is anchored in service to humanity, driven by integrity, self-awareness, and compassion to inspire and navigate change. Citing Mahatma Gandhi's words, 'the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,' Dr Braka highlighted that leadership prioritizes serving others over self-interest.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Braka advised aspiring leaders to seek learning opportunities, build experience, and tackle challenging tasks, underscoring the importance of valuing humble beginnings. Her remarks were delivered at the Second Cohort of the Oncology Nurse Leadership Programme (ONLEP) in Africa, during the 'ONLEP Fireside Leadership Chat' held at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho.
The event, themed 'Leadership Across Borders,' attracted UHAS management, lecturers, faculty, students, and 60 participants from 17 African countries. Organized by UHAS in partnership with international institutions such as the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), and AMGEN, the programme is a six-month, fully funded postgraduate certificate course. It aims to equip oncology nurses with robust leadership foundations, integrate psycho-oncology into practice, and develop skills in networking and collaboration.
Dr Braka noted that effective leadership is characterized by clear communication, adaptability, accountability, and empowering others to cultivate positive, productive environments. She emphasized the importance of respecting cultural and religious diversities and being sensitive to community belief systems.
Highlighting women's leadership challenges, Dr Braka urged women to use high expectations as motivation for excellence. Comparing leadership to a muscle, she stressed the need for continuous training and openness to change, shaped by environment and people, and encouraged stepping out of comfort zones.
She acknowledged the critical role oncology nurses play in cancer care, from screening to psychosocial support, and commended the initiative's organizers and partners for focusing not only on clinical competence but also on strengthening leadership at all health system levels.
Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, remarked that the Fireside Chat was designed to inspire leadership, enhance knowledge sharing, and promote networking. She highlighted ONLEP's introduction as a response to the essential leadership role nurses play in oncology care, requiring deliberate capacity building.
Prof Aziato mentioned that 240 oncology nurses across Africa are expected to complete the programme over five years, receiving recognized postgraduate certificates from UHAS. She encouraged participants to remain curious, committed to lifelong learning, and uphold UHAS's core values of Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Service, and Care.
Professor Peter Adatara, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UHAS, described ONLEP as transformative, focusing on developing skills in evidence-based oncology practice, policy development, advocacy, and project planning and implementation.