“Our challenge is the courage to act together” — Health Minister rallies Africa to seize control of its health future

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has made a passionate appeal to African governments to own their health futures by making bold, strategic investments in healthcare systems that reflect the continent's realities and priorities.

Speaking at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit held in Accra, the Minister challenged African leaders to match their rhetoric with action, stressing that while the continent has the tools to revolutionize its healthcare landscape, what remains lacking is the collective political courage to act decisively.

"Our challenge is the courage to act together,” Mr. Akandoh declared, as he urged stakeholders to go beyond symbolic declarations and commit to real, measurable change.

A Call for Data, Sovereignty, and Courage

Minister Akandoh emphasized the need for robust data systems that capture the unique health realities of African nations and support evidence-based policymaking.

He also stressed the importance of supply chain sovereignty, calling on African countries to reduce dependence on foreign aid and external donors when it comes to critical health commodities.

“Leading and owning our health future means investing in strong data systems so our realities are truly reflected,” he said.

“It means supply chain sovereignty. Above all, it means political courage to fund health, even when the budget is tight.”

He argued that such investments are not merely expenditures but long-term assets, delivering returns in the form of improved productivity, social stability, and quality of life across the continent.

Not Just a Summit, But a Movement

Framing the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit as more than a routine conference, Akandoh described it as a “living initiative” — a space designed to foster shared learning, collective ambition, and open challenge among African nations and global health partners.

“This summit is not a mere meeting. It is a living initiative. We have a space for shared learning, open challenge, and collective ambition. It’s a historical opportunity to co-create and shape the architecture of our health governance,” he said.

Hon. Akandoh pointed out that Africa already possesses the knowledge, experience, and indigenous wisdom necessary to reform its health systems but has often lacked the unity and boldness to implement lasting change.

He quoted an African proverb to drive home the point: “He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”

From Declarations to Action

The Minister urged African nations to back their words with action and build dignified, self-reliant health systems that no longer depend on the charity of others.

“Let us close not with declarations, but with fierce, actionable commitments — commitments that ensure our dignity no longer depends on the generosity of others. Let us build a future,” Akandoh said.

The Africa Health Sovereignty Summit brought together health ministers, policymakers, experts, civil society groups, and international partners to discuss pathways to achieving health independence and resilience across the continent.

Story: Joshua Kwabena Smith