Mahama Leads Call For Self-Reliant African Health Systems
President John Dramani Mahama has again affirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing Africa’s health sovereignty, calling for stronger investment in local vaccine production, resilient health systems, and reduced dependence on foreign aid during high-level discussions with leading global health officials in Accra.
The President met with the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, and the Executive Secretary of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), Joy Phumaphi, on the sidelines of the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, which is being hosted in Ghana’s capital.
The discussions focused on strengthening public health systems across the continent and accelerating Africa’s journey towards self-reliance in healthcare.
Central to the meeting was President Mahama’s Accra Reset agenda, a vision aimed at transforming Africa’s health sector by expanding local vaccine manufacturing, building resilient and sustainable health systems, and reducing the continent’s dependence on external support for critical health interventions.
According to the President, Africa must move beyond an aid-dependent model and develop the capacity to respond independently to future health emergencies while ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for its people.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s progress in implementing its Free Primary Health Care Programme describing it as a major step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Under the programme, every Ghanaian can access free basic healthcare services at Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics without the need for a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to removing financial barriers to healthcare and ensuring that essential medical services are available to all citizens, particularly those in underserved communities.
The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, commended President Mahama for his leadership in promoting health sovereignty, describing his vision as one that extends beyond Ghana to benefit Africa and the wider Global South.
She praised Ghana’s efforts to champion sustainable health financing and policies that strengthen national and continental health security.
The meeting comes as Accra hosts the African Union Extraordinary Summit on Health, bringing together African Heads of State, policymakers, development partners and global health experts to develop strategies aimed at improving healthcare delivery, promoting equity and justice, and strengthening the continent’s preparedness for future public health challenges.
The summit is expected to produce a renewed continental roadmap focused on expanding access to healthcare, enhancing domestic health financing, promoting local pharmaceutical and vaccine production, and fostering stronger collaboration among African countries to improve health outcomes across the continent.
By: Joyce Owusu
