September 8, 2026
LIT: Igniting a New Era of Nursing and Midwifery Leadership
CanCAF Launches a Global Transformative Leadership Development Movement for Nurses and Midwives
Three Days. One Journey. One Vision.
What began as a bold vision has become a transformative reality.
The Leadership Development Series for Nurses & Midwives (LIT) was successfully launched as a global leadership initiative designed to equip, empower, and inspire nurses and midwives to lead change, influence outcomes, and transform healthcare systems.
The programme was inspired by the achievements and leadership vision of Mrs. Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, Winner of the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award (AGGNA), and reflects a commitment to strengthening nursing and midwifery leadership across Ghana, Africa, and the world.
Organized under the theme “Lead. Influence. Transform.”, the inaugural three-day programme brought together nursing and midwifery professionals, healthcare leaders, educators, policymakers, partners, and participants from across the globe to explore the critical role of leadership in shaping the future of healthcare.
Three Pillars of Leadership
The LIT Series was intentionally structured around three interconnected leadership pillars:
Day 1: LEAD
“Lead from Where You Stand”
The programme opened with an inspiring and thought-provoking session facilitated by Dr. Barnabas Yeboah, Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services at Ghana's Ministry of Health.
Participants were challenged to rethink the meaning of leadership and recognize that leadership is not defined by position or title, but by purpose, initiative, courage, and the ability to create meaningful change.
Day 2: INFLUENCE
“Move People, Move Care”
Led by Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga, Founder of Bridge and Beyond Advisory LLC, the second day focused on the power of influence in transforming healthcare outcomes.
Participants reflected on a compelling leadership challenge:
“Who or what will I intentionally influence?”
The session emphasized the importance of purposeful influence in advancing patient care, strengthening teams, and driving sustainable healthcare improvements.
Day 3: BUILD
“Build the Future Ward”
The final day, facilitated by Dr. Stacy Bentil, CEO of Bentil Health Consulting, encouraged participants to translate leadership and influence into meaningful action.
Discussions centered on innovation, collaboration, and building the future of nursing and patient care through intentional leadership and strategic transformation.
A Global Leadership Milestone
A major highlight of the event was the participation of Prof. James Avoka Asamani, WHO Health Workforce Lead for the WHO African Region, who served as the Keynote Speaker and Official Launcher of the LIT Series.
His insights reinforced the critical importance of investing in nursing and midwifery leadership as a driver of stronger health systems and better patient outcomes across Africa and beyond.
The programme was expertly moderated by Dr. Theresa Barnes and received invaluable support from nursing and midwifery leaders, representatives of the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, alongside strategic partners, distinguished guests, and participants from multiple countries.
The Journey Has Begun
The launch of LIT marks the beginning of a long-term leadership development journey for nurses and midwives.
Beyond three days of learning, the initiative aims to cultivate a global community of healthcare leaders equipped to influence policy, improve patient outcomes, strengthen health systems, and shape the future of the profession.
As participants connected, reflected, and learned together, one message resonated throughout the programme:
Leadership begins where you are. Influence creates impact. Transformation shapes the future.
Lead. Influence. Transform.
The journey has begun.
This is LIT.
This is the future of nursing and midwifery leadership. 🌍✨