By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, July 21, GNA – Ghana has launched the third China–West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI Diagnosis and Project Cooperation Summit to strengthen healthcare innovation, investment and digital transformation.
The three-day summit, scheduled for August 19 to 21, 2026, in Accra, will bring together more than 300 medical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare professionals, researchers, investors and technology firms from China, Ghana and across West Africa.
Speaking at the launch on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Hafiz Adam Taher, Director of Technical Coordination, said the initiative reflected efforts to deepen health partnerships and accelerate technology-driven healthcare development across the region.
He described the event as more than the launch of another international conference, saying it marked the beginning of “an exciting chapter of collaboration” between Ghana, China and West Africa.
The summit, being organised by the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA), will be held on the theme: “Strengthening China–West Africa Health Partnerships Through Innovation, Investment, Technology and Sustainable Healthcare Development.”
Dr Tahee said the Ministry of Health was partnering with HCOWAA because the initiative aligned with the Government’s vision of building a resilient, modern and people-centred healthcare system.
“The Government of Ghana remains committed to transforming the health sector through strategic reforms, stronger partnerships and sustained investment in health infrastructure, human resources, research, innovation and digital technology,” he said.
Dr Taher said advances in artificial intelligence (AI), digital solutions, robotics and advanced diagnostics were transforming healthcare globally and that Ghana must actively participate in that transition.
“We must be active participants and leaders in shaping Africa’s digital health future,” he stated.
Dr Tahe said the Government’s Free Primary Healthcare policy required innovation and technology to improve access to quality healthcare services while strengthening preventive and promotive healthcare at the community level.
He said AI could enhance disease surveillance, support clinical decision-making, expand specialist consultations through telemedicine and improve efficiency within health facilities.
“Our policy is to ensure these technologies are deployed responsibly, ethically and equitably for the benefit of all Ghanaians,” he said.
Dr Taher said Ghana welcomed partnerships that supported technology transfer, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical equipment assembly and healthcare infrastructure development.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to completing the Agenda 111 hospital projects this year and invited development partners and investors to support efforts to equip and operationalise the facilities.
Dr Tahe also encouraged greater participation by teaching hospitals in future editions of the summit and urged young health professionals, researchers, biomedical engineers, software developers and health informatics specialists to embrace emerging technologies.
“The summit offers an excellent platform for our young professionals to engage global experts, discover emerging trends and showcase their ingenuity,” he said.
Madam Sihong Jiang, President of HCOWAA, said the association was established with the vision of positioning Ghana as a leading healthcare hub in West Africa.
She said the summit would provide a platform for governments, healthcare institutions, investors, researchers, technology companies and international partners to strengthen collaboration and create new opportunities.
“Through the China–West Africa Medical Summit and Expo, we are creating a platform to connect governments, healthcare institutions, investors, researchers, technology companies and international partners to share knowledge and build new opportunities,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Branca, Dr Frank Lule said the summit’s theme aligned with WHO priorities of advancing Universal Health Coverage, strengthening emergency preparedness and addressing the social determinants of health.
“We recognise that no single institution or country can address today’s complex health challenges. Strong partnerships between governments, international organisations, academia, investors, healthcare providers, the private sector and communities are essential in accelerating progress,” he said.
Dr Lule said innovations in digital health, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, diagnostics and medical technologies offered opportunities to improve healthcare delivery, expand access to services and strengthen disease surveillance.
He, however, stressed the need for such technologies to be implemented responsibly while ensuring quality, safety, ethics and equitable access.
“As countries in West Africa continue their journey towards health sovereignty and Universal Health Coverage, WHO remains committed to supporting governments and partners in fostering evidence-based policies, promoting equitable access to healthcare innovations and strengthening regional cooperation,” he said.
Dr Lule commended HCOWAA for providing a platform to promote dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders in the health sector.
Organisers said the summit would feature exhibitions, scientific conferences, investment forums and specialised discussions on artificial intelligence in healthcare, oncology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, traditional Chinese medicine, diagnostics, medical equipment manufacturing and digital health innovations.
They said the event was expected to deepen cooperation between China and West Africa, promote technology transfer, stimulate healthcare investment and strengthen partnerships to improve health outcomes across the region.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
21 July 2026
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Reporter: Samira Larbie