The Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged African governments, investors, and development partners to commit to transformative, long-term investment in the continent’s health systems.
Speaking at the WHX Leaders Africa 2025 Summit in Accra, he described the gathering as a platform where Africa’s ambition for health sovereignty is turned into concrete action.
The Minister stressed that Africa must shift from a narrative of scarcity to one of capacity, noting that by 2050 the continent will host 2.5 billion people, the world’s youngest and most dynamic population.
He argued that with decisive reforms and strategic investments, Africa is positioned not just to catch up with global standards but to lead.
‘‘A central pillar of that leadership, is the continent’s ability to produce its own medical supplies. We have stronger regional manufacturing hubs, expanded pharmaceutical and medical-device production, harmonised regulation, and robust public–private partnerships.
“At this stage of our development, digital innovation has become the driving force behind our transformation. We are building a centralised national health intelligence database that will allow for real-time data analytics, greater transparency, and truly evidence-based decision-making at every level of the health system.’’ He noted.
He also underscored that health sovereignty depends on partnerships aligned with Africa’s own priorities collaboration that strengthens institutions, supports regional integration, and avoids creating parallel systems.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to primary healthcare through the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which eliminates financial barriers and enhances community-level services using digital tools and AI-based diagnostics.
Outlining Ghana’s broader digital transformation, including a centralised national health intelligence database and a middleware system to ensure full interoperability across digital health platforms.
‘‘This WHX Summit is a turning point, and I urge stakeholders to treat Africa as a co-architect of global health. Sustainable progress, demands partnerships that respect local leadership, build capacity, and deliver shared value.” The Minister noted.
The summit marked the moment the continent embraced ambition, unity, and collective responsibility to shape its health future.
