President John Dramani Mahama has called for a bold shift from donor dependency to African health sovereignty, arguing that the continent must take greater control of healthcare financing, production and policy coordination in the face of declining global assistance.
Speaking at the Accra Reset High-Level Geneva Convening on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Mahama said the changing global order demands a new approach to healthcare governance and investment.
“The global architecture is changing. Some people feel that they can go on their own. But what we forget is that we are passengers in the same bus, and that bus is this globe.” - President Mahama
Mahama revealed that the Accra Reset initiative began after a meeting with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who urged him to champion a new African response to shrinking humanitarian assistance.
“You know humanitarian assistance is dwindling, it is time for Africa to take its destiny into its own hands,” Mahama recalled Obasanjo telling him.
Mahama Warns Against Weakening Multilateral Institutions
The Ghanaian leader cautioned against undermining multilateral institutions such as the World Health Organization, stressing that pandemics and global health crises require coordinated international responses.
“If pandemics hit, they are indiscriminate,” he said. “They don't know Ghanaians. They don't know Americans. They don't know Africans.”
Mahama referenced ongoing Ebola concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo, arguing that institutions some countries are withdrawing support from continue to play critical global emergency roles.
“And so the multilateral institution you thought was not fit for purpose, today you are relying on to safely evacuate your citizens,” he stated.
The President stressed that Africa must simultaneously strengthen domestic systems while remaining committed to global cooperation. “We should act locally but think globally,” he added.
Ghana Expands Healthcare Access
Mahama highlighted Ghana’s efforts to expand healthcare coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme, noting that coverage has increased to 66 per cent.
To address the remaining uninsured population, he said the government has introduced a free primary healthcare programme funded domestically.
“From the CHPS compounds to the health centers to the polyclinics, it is free of charge for every Ghanaian who shows an identity card and go for treatment.” - President Mahama
The President also defended the government’s investment in healthcare logistics after criticism over the use of tricycles for rural outreach services.
“If your wife were bleeding and was due for childbirth, and there was only that tricycle in the village, will it become an ambulance or it won’t become an ambulance?” he asked.
Mahama said Ghana has additionally uncapped health insurance funding, freeing up approximately $300 million to support the healthcare system and expand services nationwide.
READ ALSO: Mahama Warns Global Health Aid Cuts Threaten Africa’s Future at World Health Assembly
