Africa’s Health Destiny Is Non-Negotiable – Akandoh

The Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for Africa to take full control of its health future, stating that the continent is now showing what it intends to build, not what it lacks.

Speaking during day 2 of the WHX Leaders Africa Summit, he said Africa’s health sovereignty is no longer a distant dream but an emerging reality.

He emphasized that resilience must be deliberately built through stronger systems, encompassing the secure supply of vaccines and medicines, efficient laboratories, responsive supply chains, and research that addresses real community needs. He added that true transformation depends on aligning research with policy to avoid duplication and ensure relevance.

On partnerships, the Minister noted that only those aligned with African priorities and focused on building local capacity will drive meaningful progress.

He cited Ghana’s collaboration with Pfizer as an example of responsible cooperation that strengthens national capabilities rather than replacing them. “Africa wants collaborators, not directors,” he emphasized.

He highlighted the continent’s momentum, noting growth in vaccine manufacturing, enhanced digital health systems, and increased national leadership in health initiatives. These gains, he said, reflect a continent ready to shape its own health destiny.

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment, Minister Akandoh outlined ongoing reforms to expand primary care, modernize infrastructure, and improve insurance coverage.

He urged leaders to choose bold action and collaboration over rhetoric. “Health sovereignty is within reach,” he concluded. “Let us build the resilient, sovereign systems Africa deserves once and for all.”

The conference brought together heads of state, health ministers, global health innovators, development partners, pharmaceutical leaders, researchers, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond, united in shaping a new era of African health leadership.