The Health Minister, Kwabena Akandoh
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandor has charged stakeholders from the Africa Region gathered in Accra for the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit to return with actionable commitments of a people who will no longer allow their dignity to depend on the generosity of others.
He encouraged stakeholders to build a future where Africa’s investments, innovation, and integrity secures the well-being of the next generation.
“The task is immense. But it is not impossible. Because in truth, the most radical acts in global health today are simple: To believe that Africa deserves better and to build accordingly. May we rise to the responsibility history has placed upon us,” he said.
The Minister in his speech also noted that sovereignty begins with honesty. With Africa measuring itself, not against foreign indices alone, but against the standards it has set for itself.
“That said, health sovereignty does not mean isolation. It does not mean rejecting a partnership. But it does mean demanding mutuality and respect,” the Minister noted.
He said it also means investing in Africa’s data systems so that its realities are not misrepresented.”
Mr Akandoh further noted that there is a need for courage by Africa to act on what it knows together as the challenge is not a lack of knowledge.
