Annoh-Dompreh Steers Landmark PAP Health Resolutions
The Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP has secured the adoption of key resolutions at the Pan-African Parliament aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths, strengthening Africa’s health sovereignty and creating a common legal framework for traditional medicine.
The Minority Chief Whip in Ghana’s Parliament and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has led the adoption of major health-focused resolutions at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), with a strong call for increased investment in healthcare systems across Africa. Hon. Annoh-Dompreh, who serves as Chairman of the Pan-African Parliament’s Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs, presented a comprehensive report during the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa.
The report, which was adopted by the continental legislature, highlighted urgent measures required to address maternal and neonatal mortality, improve healthcare delivery and strengthen Africa’s preparedness against future health emergencies. The resolutions followed an oversight mission to Zambia undertaken by the committee in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The mission examined strategies and interventions capable of improving maternal and newborn health outcomes while building stronger and more resilient healthcare systems across African countries.
A major outcome of the parliamentary deliberations was the decision to develop a Pan-African Model Law on Traditional Medicine and the Protection of Local Knowledge. The proposed framework is expected to provide a unified legal and regulatory approach for the research, development, regulation and quality assurance of traditional medicine practices while safeguarding Africa’s indigenous medical knowledge from exploitation. The move is also aimed at promoting the safe and evidence-based integration of traditional medicine into national healthcare systems, ensuring that indigenous practices complement modern healthcare delivery.
Beyond traditional medicine, the Pan-African Parliament urged African Union member states to prioritise healthcare financing, strengthen public health institutions and expand local pharmaceutical production to reduce the continent’s dependence on external sources for essential medical supplies. The resolutions further emphasised the need for improved public health preparedness, particularly in light of lessons from recent global health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament commended Annoh-Dompreh’s leadership and described his role at the continental legislature as a reflection of Ghana’s contribution to advancing policies that address critical health challenges facing Africa. The Caucus said the adoption of the resolutions demonstrated the importance of parliamentary action in shaping sustainable solutions to healthcare inequalities and promoting stronger health systems across the continent.
With maternal and newborn deaths remaining a major public health concern in many African countries, the Pan-African Parliament’s resolutions are expected to guide member states in developing coordinated approaches that improve healthcare access, strengthen accountability and protect the health and wellbeing of citizens. Annoh-Dompreh’s role in championing the agenda places renewed focus on parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for driving continental cooperation and advancing Africa’s pursuit of health security and sovereignty.
Source: Minority Caucus
Author: Joyce Owusu
