The Military Nightingales of the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services launched the 2026 Military Nightingales’ Week Celebration. Activities marking the Week, commenced on Monday, 14 September 2026, with a health walk, float and medical outreach at the 37 Lorry Station. The activities culminated in the official launch at the Quartermaster Yard of the 37 Military Hospital at 1200 hours.
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, graced the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Maxwell Arhen, served as Chairman, standing in for the Chief of the Naval Staff. Colonel Vida Otoo (Rtd) was the Keynote Speaker.
The 2026 Military Nightingales’ Week is being celebrated under the theme, “Military Nightingales: Empowered to Serve with Excellence in Ghana and Peacekeeping Missions; To Save Lives for Our Future.”
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee and Chief Nursing Officer of the 37 Military Hospital, Colonel Vivian Malvin Adzah, commended nurses and midwives for their dedication to duty as Military Nightingales. She also expressed appreciation to the Invited Guests and Sponsors for their support towards the Celebration. Referring to the theme, Col Adzah urged the Military Nightingales to keep Florence Nightingale’s legacy of the Lamp burning through their service to the Colours and the noble professions of nursing and midwifery.
She said activities planned for the week included workshops, seminars and engagements with retired nurses and midwives, among others. She also encouraged participants and guests to patronise the Trade Fair and participate in the various activities planned for the 2026 Celebration.
Delivering his remarks as Chairman of the Launch, Rear Admiral Maxwell Arhen described the Theme as timely and inspiring. He noted that the role of the Military Nightingales extends beyond the walls of hospitals, as nurses and midwives of the Ghana Armed Forces are called upon to respond to national emergencies, support military operations, provide critical care during crises and serve in multinational peacekeeping missions.
He added that the work of the Military Nightingales is recognised, their sacrifices valued and their service deeply appreciated. Rear Admiral Arhen encouraged the Military Nightingales to use the celebration not only as an opportunity for fellowship but also for reflection, learning, networking and inspiration.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Deputy Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for the Essikadu-Ketan Constituency, Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, expressed her delight at receiving the invitation to the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Military Nightingales’ Week Celebration. She commended military medical personnel for their dedication to duty and service to the Nation. Her address also highlighted developments in national healthcare, the importance of recognising frontline healthcare workers and efforts to expand equitable access to healthcare, including initiatives such as the Mahama Cares Programme.
Following her address, Dr Ayensu-Danquah cut the ribbon to officially launch the 2026 Military Nightingales’ Week and opened the Trade Fair. She subsequently toured the exhibition stands and was presented with a plaque.
Speaking briefly at the Launch, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Medical), Major General Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah, commended military nurses and midwives for their professionalism and dedication to duty. She described the contribution of military nurses and midwives as invaluable and acknowledged the wealth of experience they bring to the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services.
Quoting the impact of their mentorship and service, she noted that, “…many of us have stood on your shoulders to reach the heights we have today…”. Major General Abraham-Kwabiah concluded her remarks by congratulating the Military Nightingales and encouraging participants to learn a new language.
The Keynote Speaker, Col Vida Otoo (Rtd), focused her address on the Theme of the Celebration, highlighting the importance of empowerment, service, excellence and peacekeeping. Col Otoo (Rtd) urged the Military Nightingales to serve with humility and empathy; and to treat those in their care with kindness and dignity.
Drawing on the legacy of Florence Nightingale, popularly associated with the title “The Lady with the Lamp”, she encouraged nurses and midwives to keep their lamps burning through professionalism, compassion and dedication to duty.
Col Otoo concluded her address with an appeal to Command to address the needs of nurses and midwives, particularly in the areas of transportation and accommodation. She also called for the renovation of the ANS Mess to support the continuous training of nurses and midwives at the 37 Military Hospital.
The Launch was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff (Medical), Major General Evelyn Vivian Abraham-Kwabiah; the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Training and Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Maxwell Arhen; the Chief Staff Officer at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Kwesi Ayimah; and the Commander, Air Force Logistics Command, Air Commodore Samuel Offei, who represented the Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of the Air Staff, respectively.
Also present were the Commander, 37 Military Hospital, Brigadier General Richard Mensah; Director General, Defence Civilian Establishment, Brigadier General Chris Dagadu; Commander, Ghana Armed Forces Critical Care Emergency Hospital, Brigadier General Thomas Aquinas Gbireh; Director General, Medical and Dental Services, Brigadier General Clement Laryea; the Acting Director General, Nursing and Midwifery, Col Francis Aba Amakyi; Deputy Director Generals; Commanding Officers; Chief Nursing Officers of the various Military Hospitals; and Heads of Department at the 37 Military Hospital.
The event also attracted sponsors, who displayed their products and services at the Trade Fair, as well as media partners.
