Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Health, Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has been appointed as a Secretariat Member of the African High-Level Ministerial Committee (AHLMC), a major initiative aimed at reshaping global health governance in favour of Africa.
The appointment, confirmed in a letter signed by Jean Kaseya of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, follows a decision by the African Union Assembly during its 39th Ordinary Session in February 2026.
The AHLMC is designed to strengthen Africa’s influence in global health decision-making and advocate for a more equitable and effective international health system. As part of the Secretariat, Dr Ayensu-Danquah will support policy development, stakeholder coordination and implementation of key reforms.
Her role will focus on advancing priorities such as sustainable health financing, equitable access to healthcare, resilient health systems, and improved data accountability across the continent.
Dr Kaseya noted that her experience and leadership would “greatly enrich the work of the AHLMC Secretariat” and contribute to meaningful reforms in global health systems.
Ghana’s Growing Role in Health Governance
Dr Ayensu-Danquah’s appointment positions Ghana prominently within Africa’s broader push to strengthen its voice in global health affairs. It also aligns with the policy direction of President John Dramani Mahama, whose administration has prioritised healthcare reform and expanded access.
The government’s agenda includes strengthening public health financing, rebuilding confidence in the National Health Insurance Scheme, and advancing preventive healthcare. Initiatives such as the Free Primary Healthcare programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund are central to achieving universal health coverage by 2030.
A board-certified general surgeon and public health expert, Dr Ayensu-Danquah brings extensive experience to the role. She has played a significant part in Ghana’s health sector development, contributing to efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery and aligning national policies with continental strategies.
Her academic background includes medical training from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
Beyond her public service role, Dr Ayensu-Danquah has made notable contributions through her non-governmental initiative, Healing Hands Organisation, which provides free medical care and equipment to underserved communities.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen Africa’s collective efforts to reform global health systems, while reinforcing Ghana’s leadership in advancing equitable and sustainable healthcare solutions across the continent.
READ ALSO: Ghana Cylinder Safety Concerns Rise as 30% of Cylinders Fail Inspection
