Accra: Ghana is positioning itself as a continental trailblazer through its Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Health Programme, which was launched in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other UN agencies. Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), highlighted that the initiative aims to strengthen disease surveillance, improve health system resilience, and promote responsible AI adoption across the health value chain.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Donkor, the keynote speaker at the International Conference on AI in Healthcare and Pharma at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the country's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025-2035. He praised conference partners and noted Africa's advances in AI, with companies like Zipline and mPharma leading in areas such as autonomous medical drone delivery networks and predictive inventory management.
He noted that Helium Health in Nigeria is also making progress with AI-electronic medical records and hospital management systems. Dr. Donkor highlighted the importance of local innovation in technology development, stressing that Africa is creating globally competitive solutions rather than merely consuming foreign technologies.
Dr. Donkor underscored the necessity of accessing quality data, interoperating digital infrastructure, and establishing trusted governance and harmonized regulation for AI to reach its full potential. He proposed the development of interoperable electronic health record systems with strong cybersecurity, adoption of standardized health data governance, and the creation of centers of excellence linking universities, hospitals, and private innovators to advance AI research.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of equipping the next generation of clinicians, biomedical engineers, data scientists, and entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to drive Africa's health tech revolution. He also introduced the concept of 'Healthrepreneurs' as key agents for transformation and advancement.
Prof. Lydia Aziato, the Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, called for the availability of AI learning platforms for students and announced plans to integrate AI and other digital technologies into the UHAS Medical Centre. She emphasized the ethical use of AI, respecting patient privacy and data security, and proposed the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence at UHAS.
Prof. Alexander Ansah Manu, the Director of the Institute of Health and Research at UHAS, stated that the conference aimed to translate Ghana's National AI Strategy into practical health sector interventions. The conference featured discussions with the Ministry of Health, WHO, and other key stakeholders on applying AI to various health challenges and aimed to produce a shared national roadmap for AI adoption in healthcare.
The conference's main theme, 'Accelerating Adoption of Healthcare AI in Ghana: From Vision and Policy to Practice and Impact,' emphasized the need for partnerships among researchers, innovators, policymakers, and industry to advance AI in healthcare.