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It said challenges like reduced donor support, new health risks, and outdated governance systems have exposed serious weaknesses, making reform both necessary and urgent.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