Ghanaian President H.E. John Dramani Mahama opened the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Africa 2025 Summit with a forceful declaration that “Africa cannot afford to be a bystander” in global health. Delivering the keynote address, President Mahama warned that the continent’s vulnerabilities, exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, will persist unless African nations prioritize building their own manufacturing base, strengthening supply chains, and investing in resilient, self-sustaining health systems.
He specifically urged African nations to seize control of vaccine production, medical manufacturing, and health innovation, noting that global crises have repeatedly shown Africa is often the last to receive necessary support.
Reinforcing the call for self-determination, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh urged development partners to align with African-led strategies rather than imposing external priorities. The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s national health reforms, including the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which eliminates financial barriers at the point of care, and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which provides advanced services such as oncology, dialysis, and specialised diagnostics.
Mr. Akandoh stressed that these initiatives, coupled with a digital health infrastructure powered by Artificial Intelligence and a centralized national health intelligence database, position Ghana to deliver equitable and future-ready healthcare.
The Minister affirmed that Africa is ready and deserving of strategic, transformative, and sustainable partnerships. He concluded the opening session by calling on all stakeholders to help build a healthier, stronger, and more sovereign continent.
The two-day WHX Leaders Africa 2025 Summit is being held under the theme, “Catalysing Africa’s Health Revolution Through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure.”
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
