Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akando has emphasized that Africa cannot achieve true health sovereignty while relying on other nations for most of its medicines and nearly all vaccines.
Speaking at the World Health Expo (WHX) 2025 on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Minister Akando underscored the need for the continent to build robust, self-reliant healthcare systems. He highlighted Africa’s growing population, projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, as a key advantage in achieving this goal.
“No continent can be sovereign while importing most of its medicines and nearly all vaccines,” he stated, urging investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device production, and the harmonization of regulatory frameworks across Africa.
The Minister stressed that health sovereignty also requires strong partnerships. He called on development partners to align with Africa’s priorities and support long-term collaborative efforts.
Highlighting Ghana’s initiatives, he pointed to the free primary healthcare program and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which aim to remove financial barriers, improve access to care, promote early disease detection, and ensure specialized treatment.
Digital integration, Akando said, is critical to transforming healthcare across the continent. Plans are underway to establish a centralized National Health Intelligence Database and interoperable digital platforms to enhance efficiency and informed decision-making.
He added that Africa’s hospitals will be digitally connected and AI-enabled, paving the way for the continent to become a global leader in vaccine production, medical research, and health governance.
Minister Akando concluded by calling for unity, ambition, and shared responsibility, emphasizing that Africa must position itself as a co-architect of global health.