Accra: Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming healthcare and positioning itself as a leading hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical innovation in West Africa. Dr Hafiz Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination at the Ministry of Health, representing the Minister of Health, made the declaration at the opening of the 5th West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2026 in Accra. He addressed delegates, industry leaders, investors, healthcare professionals, and development partners, emphasizing Africa's need to shift from being a consumer of externally designed health solutions to becoming a key player in shaping global health.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Taher described the Expo as a strategic platform for innovation, investment, and collaboration. He highlighted government initiatives, including the Free Primary Healthcare Programme and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), aimed at removing financial barriers and supporting households facing serious medical conditions. Dr Taher noted Ghana's pursuit of investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production, medical technologies, and healthcare infrastructure, with progress towards local vaccine production through the National Vaccine Institute.
Dr Taher stressed the importance of resilient healthcare supply chains, citing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that Africa was among the last regions to receive vaccine supplies, a lesson not to be forgotten. He also mentioned that Ghana intends to actively participate in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, digital health platforms, and biotechnology reshaping healthcare delivery worldwide.
Mr V.N Parameswaran, Charg© d'Affaires at the High Commission of India in Ghana, reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening healthcare cooperation with Ghana and Africa. He highlighted India's global reputation as the 'pharmacy of the world,' with significant pharmaceutical exports to Africa, and encouraged the establishment of partnerships for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, knowledge transfer, skills development, and healthcare innovation.
Mr Praveen Singh, Chief Executive Officer of ACE Group, noted the growth of the Expo since its inception in 2022, evolving into one of West Africa's leading healthcare exhibitions. He disclosed that the 2026 edition was the largest and most international in the Expo's history, attracting over 100 exhibitors from various countries and expecting between 4,000 to 5,000 professional trade visitors.
The exhibition, organized by Astrovision Global FZCO, Dubai, and ACE Group under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, was designed to facilitate technology transfer, attract investments, strengthen local manufacturing, and improve healthcare delivery across the region.