Accra is set to host a historic gathering of African leaders, health policymakers, and global stakeholders on August 5, 2025, at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit—a high-level event spearheaded by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana.

Themed “African Health Sovereignty in a Reimagined Global Health Governance Architecture,” the summit seeks to redefine the future of global health governance through an African-led lens of equity, resilience, and national ownership.

Convened amid shifting geopolitical realities and waning donor support, the Summit underscores an urgent call for reform of a global health system many argue no longer reflects the modern world’s political, demographic, or economic dynamics.

President Mahama’s leadership marks a new chapter in continental self-determination in health governance.

This was made known in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP)
and Spokesperson to the President & Minister, Government Communications

According to the statement, in recent decades, global health progress has been notable—maternal deaths have declined by over 40% since 2000, HIV/AIDS fatalities halved since 2010, and 1.4 billion people now benefit from better access to clean air, water, and healthcare.

Yet, those gains are increasingly threatened by underfunded health systems, weakening multilateralism, and new health crises.

“This Summit is our moment to lead—not only in financing our systems but also in reshaping the rules that govern global health,” President Mahama emphasised.

“Rules that must reflect the voices and realities of our people.”

The summit will officially endorse The Accra Initiative, a bold, action-driven framework for reforming global health governance rooted in African priorities.

Key deliverables include:

Formation of a Presidential High-Level Panel to chart a new roadmap for health governance reform.

Launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative, promoting country-led, investment-driven health systems powered by domestic resources, private sector collaboration, and philanthropic engagement.

Adoption of the Accra Compact, articulating Africa’s vision for health sovereignty and equitable participation in global health decision-making.

A reaffirmed commitment to principles of accountability, inclusivity, sustainability, and cross-sector partnership.

The Summit builds upon initiatives by African Union institutions and leaders like President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, while calling for deeper structural changes to global frameworks that historically marginalise African perspectives.

President Mahama’s recent address at the Global Summit on Health and Prosperity in Brussels, coupled with his leadership during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, reinforces the summit’s message: Africa is not just a beneficiary of global health aid—it is a leader in shaping the future of health governance.