President John Dramani Mahama will on Tuesday, August 5, open the African Health Sovereignty Summit Meeting in Accra.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, acknowledged that significant progress had been made in global health over recent decades: Child mortality has been halved since 1990, maternal deaths have decreased by over 40 per cent since 2000, HIV/AIDS deaths have been halved since 2010, and 1.4 billion people now enjoy healthier lives thanks to improved tobacco control, cleaner air, and better access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
It said, however, these gains were at risk.
The statement noted that shifting geopolitics, diminished multilateralism, reduced donor funding, and emerging health threats had exposed significant structural flaws in the global health system.
It said the current global health governance framework designed in a different era no longer adequately reflects today’s political, economic, or demographic realities.
The statement said reform was now crucial; it was urgent both nationally and internationally.
It said countries must take greater responsibility for their health governance and funding.
It said globally, there was an immediate need to overhaul health governance systems.
It stated that in response, this African-led global gathering would advance multiple initiatives to mobilise global partners and global consensus to address these challenges.
The statement said the Summit would deliberate and formally endorse The Accra Initiative.
This bold, action-oriented outcome document would establish shared principles, benchmarks, and a roadmap for reforming global health governance in alignment with national priorities for health sovereignty.
The statement said four key outcomes of the Summit would include:
Creation of a Presidential High-Level Panel to design a roadmap for a re-imagined global health governance architecture aligned with national and international efforts.
Commitment to core principles of inclusivity, leadership, accountability, resilience, sustainable funding, and cross-sector collaboration.
Launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative to promote country-led and investment-driven health systems, powered by domestic resources, private sector engagement, philanthropic partnerships, and technical expertise.
And endorsement of the Accra Compact, articulating Africa’s vision for health sovereignty and a more equitable global health order.
The statement said this Summit builds on the ongoing efforts of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and African Union institutions to improve health financing and continental health coordination.
It said however, it also calls for urgent reform of global health governance to better reflect the realities of a changed world, where Africa’s voice and leadership must take centre stage.
It said the Summit follows President Mahama’s passionate speech in June 2025 at the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity in Brussels and draws inspiration from his leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, where he directed regional efforts to control the epidemic, showcasing Africa’s capacity to respond to crises with unity and determination.
The statement reiterated that that same spirit of continental and global solidarity now underpins the Accra Compact.
“Africa must take charge of its health destiny—not in isolation, but through determined, coordinated action.
“This Summit is our moment to lead not only in financing our systems but also in reshaping the rules that govern global health—rules that must reflect the voices and realities of our people”, President Mahama said about the Summit.
Source: GNA
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