Sulleh Gbande, PhD, MPhil, BSc, RGN, PGD
I am a distinguished full-time Lecturer at the Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM), University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and an Adjunct Lecturer at the School of Medicine (SOM). I possess extensive expertise in Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care, Chronicity of Diseases and Nursing Theories. With a strong academic and research background, I have contributed significantly to Nursing Education, Research, Leadership and Policy Development in Ghana and beyond.
I hold a PhD in Palliative Nursing from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; an MPhil in Nursing from the University of Ghana; and a BSc in Nursing from Central University, graduating with distinction. I also earned a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Pastoral Ministry with distinction from Valley View University. Additionally, I have undergone specialized training in Oncology Nursing and Clinical Research Ethics through Pfizer and the Hong Kong Clinical Trial Centre, respectively. My academic journey reflects a sustained commitment to advancing nursing knowledge, particularly in Cancer Care and Palliative Chemotherapy.
Within academia, I have demonstrated strong Leadership and Administrative Capacity. I currently serve as Coordinator for the School of Nursing and Midwifery Access Programme at UHAS and Patron of the Nursing and Midwifery Students’ Association. Previously, I have served as an External Examiner for the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana, coordinated nursing licensure examination preparations at SONAM, UHAS, Chaired Clinical Committee for the Department of Nursing and contributed to research dissemination through the Scientific Committee of UHAS as a Member.
I serve on several strategic boards and committees within UHAS, including the School of Medicine (SOM) Board, the School of Nursing Board, the UHAS AI Policy Draft Committee and the School of Medicine Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) Committee. Beyond UHAS, I serve on the Training and Education Committee, Research Committee and Advocacy and Resource Mobilisation Committee of the Ghana National Association of Palliative Care.
My leadership extends beyond nursing education into broader academic and professional platforms. I have served as Chairman for the International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Business and Technology, demonstrating interdisciplinary engagement and organizational leadership.
As a recognized researcher, I have won two competitive research grants: the Faculty Development Grant from UHAS and the Postgraduate Merit Award from the University of the Witwatersrand. In 2025, I led a team of four Ghanaians to win the Best Project Award among nine African countries under the auspices of Pfizer, the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) and the AORTIC Cancer Nursing Leadership Programme. I have published numerous articles in top-tier international peer-reviewed journals and have presented at global conferences on Cancer Nursing and Palliative Care. I also serve as a reviewer for reputable international journals, including the International Journal of Palliative Nursing, the European Journal of Oncology Nursing, the Wiley Journal of Palliative Care and PLOS ONE.
I am an active member of several professional associations, including:
- Breast Society of Ghana
- European Association for Palliative Care
- Ghana Palliative Care Association
- Sigma Theta Tau International
- International Children’s Palliative Care Network
- Africa Cancer Nurses Network
- International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC)
- University Teachers Association (UTAG)
Beyond academia and professional service, I am deeply committed to religious and community leadership within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I serve as a Chaplain of the National Association of Adventist Students at UHAS and Ho Technical University (HTU). I am the Chairman of the Health Committee of the Volta Ghana Mission (Ho Camp Meetings) from 2020 to date and a Member of the Disaster and Relief Committee of the Volta Ghana Mission (since 2023). I also serve as Chairperson of the Women and Children’s Department of the Volta Ghana Mission, Ho, Ghana.
My dedication to Oncology Nursing, Palliative Care Education, Research Excellence, Leadership and faith-based community service continues to shape the future of Nursing Practice and Policy Development in Ghana and across Africa.