Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says Africa must take full control of its health future, stressing that the continent is now demonstrating what it intends to build, not what it lacks.
Speaking on Day 2 of the WHX Leaders Africa Summit, he said Africa’s health sovereignty is no longer aspirational but “an emerging reality.”
He noted that resilience must be intentionally built through stronger system, including reliable vaccine and medicine supplies, efficient laboratories, responsive supply chains, and research that addresses real community needs. True transformation, he said, depends on aligning research with policy to prevent duplication and ensure relevance.
On partnerships, the Minister stressed that only collaborations aligned with African priorities and committed to building local capacity would drive progress. He cited Ghana’s work with Pfizer as an example of responsible cooperation, stating, “Africa wants collaborators, not directors.”
Highlighting the continent’s momentum, he pointed to growth in vaccine manufacturing, improved digital health systems, and stronger national leadership in health initiatives, signs of a continent prepared to shape its own medical future.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment, he outlined reforms aimed at expanding primary care, modernising health infrastructure and strengthening insurance coverage.
He urged African leaders to act boldly, saying, “Health sovereignty is within reach. Let us build the resilient, sovereign systems Africa deserves once and for all.”
The summit brought together heads of state, health ministers, global health innovators, development partners, pharmaceutical leaders, researchers, investors and policymakers from across the continent and beyond to advance a new era of African health leadership.
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