The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has partnered with AFRICA’s BRAIN BANK® Global to support a six-day international summit in September, culminating in the groundbreaking of a proposed historic Medical City in Ada.
The initiative seeks to position the proposed Medical City at the intersection of healthcare development, investment, tourism and economic growth, while promoting Ghana as a destination for medical tourism and international investment.
The 7th Annual Summit, Charity Ball and Medical City Groundbreaking, scheduled for September 3 to 8 in Accra and Ada, will be held under the theme: “Africa’s Greatest Wealth, Its People; Restoring Africa’s Health Capital.”
At the heart of the programme is the proposed Medical City, envisioned as an integrated ecosystem combining healthcare, medical education, research, innovation and economic development.
According to the organisers, the project is expected to expand access to affordable, specialised and technology-enabled healthcare while creating opportunities for investment, employment, skills development and international collaboration.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the partnership demonstrates the growing role of tourism as a platform for broader investment and national development.
“The Summit, Charity Ball, and Historic Medical City Groundbreaking present a powerful opportunity to welcome the world to Ghana while demonstrating the transformative possibilities that emerge when tourism, healthcare, investment, and development work together,” she said.
The summit is expected to attract government officials, investors, healthcare professionals, corporate executives, development partners, philanthropists and members of the African Diaspora.
Rev. Dr. Pam Fomunung, Visionary, Chief Executive Officer and Group Chair of AFRICA’s BRAIN BANK® Global, described the GTA’s involvement as an important endorsement of Ghana’s ambitions in healthcare, tourism and investment.
She said the proposed Medical City is intended to go beyond healthcare delivery, with the potential to drive medical tourism, create jobs, attract investment, strengthen Diaspora engagement and contribute to national development.
The proposed development will focus on areas including specialised healthcare services, medical education and professional training, advanced diagnostic and surgical systems, digital healthcare, telemedicine, research and international medical collaboration.
The organisers also anticipate opportunities for local businesses and service providers in sectors such as hospitality, construction, pharmaceuticals, technology, logistics, finance, real estate and infrastructure.
The project is further expected to support workforce development, Diaspora knowledge transfer and investment, while creating opportunities for medical-tourism activities and related services.
The programme begins with a Homecoming Welcome Reception in Accra on September 3, followed by a Business-to-Business Market and Community Awards on September 4.
A symposium on Africa’s health capital, together with a red-carpet summit and awards gala, will take place on September 5.
Other activities include a Billionaire Breakfast Brunch and Beach Retreat on September 6.
The major highlight will be the Medical City Groundbreaking and Greater Accra Tour on September 7, followed by a visit to the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles on September 8.
The organisers are encouraging businesses and investors across healthcare, tourism, pharmaceuticals, construction, finance, technology, logistics, real estate and infrastructure to participate in the initiative.
Members of the African Diaspora are also being encouraged to participate by contributing expertise, investment, professional networks and philanthropic support while reconnecting with Ghana’s cultural and historical heritage.
Mrs. Houadjeto described the initiative as a potential long-term legacy project.
“This is more than an event. It is a legacy venture that has the potential to create opportunities, attract international attention, strengthen communities, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s healthcare future.”
The partnership comes as Ghana continues to broaden its tourism strategy beyond cultural heritage and leisure travel, increasingly leveraging conferences, investment opportunities and purpose-driven international engagements.
The proposed Medical City could ultimately provide a significant test of whether tourism, healthcare and Diaspora capital can be successfully brought together to deliver a sustainable development project with long-term benefits for Ghana and the wider African continent.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
