Meet Ghana's first Chief Nursing Officer; the face of the old 100 Cedi note (Photos)
As it is a week of celebrating the man who led the fight for Ghana’s independence, it is also important that we acknowledge other pioneers in the development of Ghana, post-colonial rule.
Get the latest news in entertainment and politics on YEN.com.gh
YEN.com.gh came across this timeless story of the woman who was the first Ghanaian Chief Nursing Officer, and the face of the old 100 hundred cedi note.
Her name? Docia Angelina Naki Kisseih. Born on August 13, 1919 in Odumase, Manya Krobo, Docia Kisseih’s pioneering efforts developed nursing education and practice in Ghana.
READ ALSO: Court Clerk suspended for dressing provocatively
Docia started her career in nursing during her teen years, when she often accompanied her grandmother, a midwife, to deliver babies.
Docia attained her Cambridge higher education certificate from Achimota School in 1938 and in 1940, enrolled in Korle Bu Hospital to receive a three-year training in nursing, with a specialization in midwifery.
For Docia to become eligible for senior positions while Ghana was still under colonial rule, she had to spend the earlier part of 1950s obtaining higher qualifications in England.
And in 1961, after Ghana became a fully, sovereign nation, she was appointed the Chief Nursing Officer of Ghana.
Docia became the first nurse in Ghana with a doctorate degree which she obtained from Boston University in 1981, while also lecturing at the University of Ghana Department of Nursing (between 1975 and 1981).
.Docia Kisseih was the founder and first president of the Ghana Registered Nurses Association (GRNA) formed in 1960 and also served on the National Health Planning Committee and the Nurses and Midwives Board.
She was an African representative to, and a worldwide committee member of, the International Council of Nurses.
She was also involved in voluntary organisations like the Ghana Red Cross Society, the Girl Guides, the St. John Ambulance Association, the St John's Council of Ghana and the Manya Krobo Youth Congress.
Docia Kisseih was honored by the state in 1984 and in 1986 her portrait was put on the 100 cedi banknote.
In 2015 the GRNA instituted a series of lectures to be called the Dr Docia Kisseih Memorial Lectures.
READ ALSO: Video: Otiko Djaba and Abu Jinapor spotted taking fun selfies during Nana Addo's UN address
YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YEN’s official Facebook page.
Source: YEN.com.gh
