Mahama: Africa Must Act Now
Former President John Dramani Mahama has charged African nations to take control of their health agendas, stating emphatically, “Africa cannot afford to be a bystander.”
Speaking at the opening of the World Health Expo (WHX) Leaders Africa 2025 Summit, Mr. Mahama argued that the continent’s challenges in healthcare stem not from a lack of talent or opportunity, but from a failure to independently steer its own health policies.
He warned that the vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic will persist unless African countries prioritize building their own manufacturing capabilities, strengthening supply chains, and investing in resilient and innovative health systems.
“We must take charge of vaccine production, medical manufacturing, and health technologies,” the former President stressed, highlighting the recurring issue of Africa being sidelined during global health emergencies.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh echoed these sentiments, urging development partners to align their support with African-designed health strategies rather than imposing external priorities.
He showcased Ghana’s progress, citing the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, which removes financial obstacles to accessing care, and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which is expanding access to advanced treatments like oncology, dialysis, and specialized diagnostics.
“Ghana’s growing digital health infrastructure, powered by Artificial Intelligence and a national health intelligence database, is laying the groundwork for equitable and data-driven healthcare delivery,” Mr. Akandoh added.
The Minister emphasized the continent’s readiness for partnerships that are strategic, transformative, and sustainable. “Let this summit be remembered as the moment Africa chose ambition over caution and unity over fragmentation,” he stated, appealing to governments, investors, and global health organizations to contribute to a stronger, more self-reliant Africa.
The two-day WHX Leaders Africa 2025 Summit is focused on “Catalysing Africa’s Health Revolution Through Investment, Innovation, Impact and Infrastructure.”
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
