The Untold History of Nursing in Ghana

The history of nursing in Ghana is a story of transformation—from traditional caregiving rooted in indigenous knowledge systems to a formal profession influenced by colonial structures and Western practices. Before the introduction of modern healthcare, the responsibility of caring for the sick rested in the hands of spiritual healers, herbalists, and mostly women within the home. This form of care was deeply connected to cultural beliefs and family obligations. However, the arrival of European missionaries, colonial administrators, and medical personnel brought new ideas about health, hygiene, and professional nursing.