In discussing the improvement of global health governance, African leaders, policymakers, including global health advocates will be converging to take decisive steps toward shaping its health future.
The summit is to be held on 5 August 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
The Africa Health Sovereignty Summit, convened by Ghana’s President, John Mahama, will focus on the theme: “The Accra Initiative: African Health Sovereignty in a Reimagined Global Health Governance Architecture.”
According to a statement issued in Abuja by the President’s spokesperson, Felix Ofosu, the summit will serve as a platform to launch the “Accra Initiative” — an ambitious strategy aimed at boosting national ownership, investment, and leadership in Africa’s health systems.
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While acknowledging significant progress in global health, including a 50% reduction in child mortality since 1990 and a 40% drop in maternal deaths since 2000, Ofosu noted that recent challenges, such as shifting geopolitical dynamics, declining donor funding, and emerging health threats, have exposed weaknesses in the current international health framework.
“This Summit is our moment to lead, not only in financing our systems, but also in reshaping the rules that govern global health; rules that must reflect the voices and realities of our people,” Ofosu said.
Key outcomes expected from the event include the formal adoption of the Accra Compact, outlining Africa’s vision for equitable health governance; the launch of the SUSTAIN Initiative to drive domestic investment in healthcare; the creation of a Presidential High-Level Panel to develop a reform roadmap; and commitments to building inclusive, accountable, and resilient health systems.
The meeting draws on President Mahama’s experience during the 2014 Ebola outbreak and builds upon the work of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and the African Union in strengthening health financing and coordination across the continent.
