By: Justice Ahoto

The Government of Ghana has announced plans to position the country as West Africa’s leading healthcare hub by deepening collaboration with China in medical technology, pharmaceutical manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health.

The initiative was unveiled ahead of the Third Ghana-China African Medical and Health Industry and AI Diagnosis Project Cooperation Summit and Expo, scheduled to take place in Accra from August 19 to 21, 2026.

Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Dr. Hafiz Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, who represented the Minister of Health, said the government’s vision is to build a resilient, technology-driven health system capable of delivering world-class healthcare services while attracting investment into the sector.

He noted that expanding Ghana’s partnership with China would facilitate technology transfer, strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing, enhance the skills of healthcare professionals and improve access to quality healthcare through innovation.

Dr. Taher stressed that the collaboration aligns with the government’s broader agenda of modernising Ghana’s healthcare system and positioning the country as a regional destination for advanced medical services.

President of the Health Community of West Africa Association, Madam Sihong Jiang, described the upcoming summit as a strategic platform for governments, investors, researchers and healthcare technology companies to establish partnerships that will accelerate healthcare development across West Africa.

According to her, the event will promote investment, innovation and knowledge exchange while creating new opportunities for collaboration in AI-powered healthcare, diagnostics, telemedicine and pharmaceutical production.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also endorsed the initiative.

Medical Advisor for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control at the WHO, Dr. Frank John Lule, said the summit’s theme, “Strengthening China-West Africa Health Partnership through Innovation, Investment, Technology and Sustainable Healthcare Development,” aligns with global efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

He, however, cautioned that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital health solutions and telemedicine, must be implemented responsibly, ethically and equitably to ensure they benefit all populations without widening healthcare inequalities.

Organisers said the three-day summit will feature exhibitions, business-to-business engagements and technical sessions focusing on AI-assisted diagnosis, digital health technologies, diagnostics, telemedicine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The event is being organised by the Ghana-China African Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, the National Health Insurance Authority and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

The summit is expected to bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, investors, researchers and technology innovators from Ghana, China and other African countries as Ghana intensifies efforts to become a regional centre for healthcare innovation, investment and medical excellence.