Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, has called for deeper collaboration, increased investment and bold innovation to accelerate Africa’s transformation into a global healthcare leader, describing the continent’s evolving health reforms as a “historic turning point”.
Speaking at the opening of the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Africa Summit in Accra on Monday, 9th December, 2025, President Mahama said the continent’s health future depends on intentional policy alignment, stronger institutions and a unified commitment to innovation and infrastructure development.
He emphasised that Africa now has the demographic strength and institutional maturity to build health systems that are resilient, technologically advanced and globally competitive. The President further underscored the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to financing, manufacturing and research capacity, noting that Africa cannot continue depending on external markets for vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.
“This summit is not just a dialogue, it is a catalyst,” he said, calling on governments, investors and development partners to prioritise sustainable health financing, regional value chains and regulatory harmonisation to expand access to quality healthcare.
Health Minister Calls for Stronger Regional Capacity and Smart Partnerships
Delivering the opening address, Ghana’s Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, spoke on the theme: “Africa’s Healthcare in 2050: From Emerging Leader to Global Powerhouse.”
He stressed that the continent must move beyond projection to implementation, stating: “We are not here to talk about the future — we are here to build it.”
Hon. Akandoh outlined Africa’s long-term healthcare vision, highlighting primary healthcare strengthening, data-led decision-making, and advanced diagnostics as central pillars of the reform agenda. He revealed that Ghana is investing in digital health platforms, national data intelligence systems and AI-enabled diagnostic capacity to strengthen access, efficiency and healthcare governance.
The Minister also underscored the importance of shifting from aid dependency to equitable, mutually beneficial partnerships, asserting that Africa must be treated as a contributor to global health advancement rather than a beneficiary.
“Africa is ready,” he said, “and Africa deserves partnerships that strengthen local capacity, respect national ambition, and accelerate shared prosperity.”
Trade Minister Advocates for Local Manufacturing and Industrialization of Health Systems
Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, highlighted the urgent need for investment in local production of vaccines, pharmaceuticals and medical devices to strengthen economic sovereignty and improve public health outcomes across the continent.
She noted that Africa’s overdependence on imported medical supplies undermines health security and economic resilience, stressing that industrialisation is the foundation for a sustainable health revolution.
“Our vision is clear — Africa must produce what it consumes,” she stated. “Industrial parks, regulatory reforms, capacity building and strategic financing are key to positioning Africa as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and health manufacturing.”
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to leveraging the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand market access and establish the country as a regional hub for health products “made in Africa, for Africa and the world.”
Informa Markets Reaffirms Support for Africa’s Health Transformation Agenda
President for Middle East, India, Turkey and Africa at Informa Markets, Peter Hall, commended Ghana for hosting the high-level convening and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to helping catalyse public–private partnerships that strengthen Africa’s health ecosystem.
“This gathering is not just an event — it is a call to action,” he said, explaining that WHX Leaders is designed to connect policymakers, industry leaders and investors to accelerate long-term structural reforms and unlock scalable solutions.
Mr. Hall noted that the summit will help shape investment priorities, inform policy pathways and accelerate progress toward stronger, more resilient health systems across the continent.
About WHX Leaders Summit
Held under the patronage of President Mahama, the WHX Leaders Africa Summit brings together Heads of State, ministers, global investors, innovators and development partners to mobilise investment, policy reforms and innovation for continental health transformation.
This year’s theme, “Catalyzing Africa’s Health Revolution through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure,” seeks to drive action, unlock partnerships and lay the foundation for a resilient and future-ready African health sector.
