Over the years, the role and scope of the Public. Community health nursing has evolved in response to the changing health needs of the population. In 2000, the Department of Community Health Nursing was established at the University of Ghana, Legon, to train nurses in community health nursing at the tertiary level. In 2021, the School of Nursing and Midwifery requested a name change to the Department of Public Health Nursing in response to the Nursing and Midwifery Council's quest to harmonize community and public health nursing curricula and practice regulations in Ghana.

The department offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health Nursing programme that equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate community-based health programmes. The department also admits postgraduate students at the master’s and PhD levels. Graduates of the programme work in various health settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and non-governmental organizations.

Previously in a one-member faculty department, the department has grown over the years. There are seven (7) active faculty full-time (i.e., three senior lecturers, two lecturers, and two assistant lecturers) and one full-time faculty member on a post-retirement contract. The department has two senior staff members (one principal nurse technician and an administrative assistant). Professor Prudence M. Nyaledzigbor was appointed the first head of the department in 2003. She single-handedly managed the department until 2012. Dr. Patience Aniteye took over the headship of the department from 2012 to 2020 when she finally retired from the university. Dr. Lillian Akorfa Ohene was appointed in 2020 as the third head of the department for 2024. Prof Charles Ampong Adjei has been appointed since 2023 to date 

The Department of Public Health Nursing at Legon has significantly promoted health and prevented diseases in Ghana. Its graduates have contributed to various health initiatives in the country, including the fight against malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases. The department's research and training activities have also contributed to developing evidence-based approaches to community and public health in Ghana. 

In conclusion, the Department of Public Health Nursing at the University of Ghana, Legon, was established in 2000 to provide tertiary-level training in Public and Community health nursing. The department has played a significant role in promoting health and preventing diseases in Ghana, and its graduates have contributed to several health initiatives in the country.