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Accra to host African leaders at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit
The Presidency has announced that African Heads of State, policymakers, and global health stakeholders will converge in Accra for the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit.
Earmarked to take place on August 5, 2025, the event aims to push for urgent reforms in global health governance and promote stronger health systems led by African governments.
In a statement released from the Presidency and signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), said the summit will be convened by President John Dramani Mahama as a response to the growing need for Africa to take charge of its health future.
It will serve as a platform to highlight the importance of national ownership, investment, and leadership in public health.
The statement noted that while global health had seen major improvements, such as lower child and maternal deaths as well as better access to clean water and healthcare, these gains were now under threat.
It said challenges like reduced donor support, new health risks, and outdated governance systems have exposed serious weaknesses, making reform both necessary and urgent.
It added that the summit will see the official endorsement of The Accra Initiative, a plan to guide reform efforts.
Other key outcomes will include the formation of a Presidential High-Level Panel, the launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative to promote domestic health financing, and the endorsement of the Accra Compact, which outlines Africa’s unified vision for health sovereignty.
In the statement, President Mahama urged Africans to take charge of its health destiny not in isolation, but through coordinated action.
He added that the summit was Africa’s moment to lead in shaping the rules of global health to reflect the realities and voices of its people.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee and the member of parliament for Bolgatanga Central constituency, Isaac Adongo, has defended the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, describing him as the right person to manage the country’s central bank.
According to Mr. Adongo, Ghana would have faced a difficult situation if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not won the 2024 elections and Dr. Asiama had not been appointed governor.
Speaking in an interview with Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Online Editor for ghanaiantimes.com.gh, Mr.Adongo said the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, only wanted to remain relevant within their party.
“Well, the NPP and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah have a job to do. They want to remain relevant in their party. I don’t begrudge them,” he said.
Mr. Adongo praised President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Dr. Asiama as Governor of the Central Bank after returning to power.
He explained that the President carefully assessed the country’s economic challenges while in opposition and chose Dr. Asiama as the best person for the role.
According to him, the governor has so far shown strong leadership at the central bank.
“I’m not saying this because I work closely with him, but sitting on the board with him, his leadership is on par,” he stated.
The lawmaker further noted that the governor understands the concerns of Ghanaians, especially regarding the rising cost of living and economic pressures.
He said government had already done the “heavy lifting” in stabilizing the economy and would now reassess some of its policies to reduce pressure on public finances.
Mr. Adongo expressed optimism that the country would not witness the same level of government expenditure from 2026 onwards.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board and consider the fiscal implications of some of the actions we have taken. I believe that from 2026, we will not see the same magnitude of expenditures,” he added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has clarified that it did not approve or endorse the recent Karnival Kingdom Festival held in Accra.
In a statement issued on May 7, 2026, the ministry said it did not receive any proposal, request for approval or official communication concerning the organisation of the event.
According to the ministry, it was also unaware of the processes through which the festival was allegedly approved to take place in Ghana.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that it neither endorsed, sanctioned nor authorised the staging of the event,” the statement said.
The clarification follows public criticism and discussions on social media over activities associated with the festival, including the circulation of what many described as culturally unacceptable content.
The ministry acknowledged concerns raised by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the conduct and nature of the event.
It explained that as the supervisory institution for the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, it expects all organisers of public festivals and entertainment events to follow established regulatory procedures and engage the relevant state institutions before holding such activities.
The ministry therefore urged organisers of tourism, cultural, entertainment and recreational events to obtain the necessary approvals before staging programmes in the country.
According to the statement, the ministry remains committed to promoting tourism and cultural activities that respect Ghana’s laws, values and cultural identity.
It added that the country’s reputation as a safe and culturally respectful destination must be protected at all times.
By: Jacob Aggrey
