Ghana will host an Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra from July 21 to 22, 2026. President John Dramani Mahama will lead this crucial summit, which aims to discuss and implement strategies for improving healthcare across the African continent. The event will focus on achieving universal health coverage and eradicating major health challenges.
The summit's theme is "Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa." This comprehensive agenda highlights the urgent need for robust health systems and equitable access to medical services. The meeting will gather African Heads of State, Ministers of Health, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, along with officials from the African Union Commission and various development partners.
This event underscores Ghana's growing influence in regional health policy and its commitment to continental development. Ghana has consistently advocated for stronger health infrastructure and improved public health outcomes. The nation's hosting of this high-level meeting aligns with its broader economic and social development goals, which prioritize human capital and well-being. This commitment is crucial for sustained economic growth and stability across the region.
A statement from the Presidency Communications Office confirmed the summit's details on Tuesday. The statement, signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, emphasized the collaborative nature of the discussions. Participants will work towards strengthening Africa’s health systems and accelerating the achievement of universal health coverage across all member states.
The summit will commence on July 21 with a meeting of experts from member states. Senior officials from health, finance, and economic planning ministries will prepare technical recommendations. These recommendations will then be presented to ministers and Heads of State for consideration. On July 22, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will convene to adopt key decisions and a declaration to speed up the implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030.
Ghana’s role as host reflects President Mahama’s dedication to expanding access to quality healthcare and promoting health equity. The Ghanaian government has introduced several health initiatives to support these goals. These include the Free Primary Health Care Programme and the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which aims to improve access to healthcare services for all citizens.
Additionally, the government established the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as “MahamaCares.” This fund supports universal health coverage efforts within the country. Ghana is also investing significantly in health infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and strengthening emergency preparedness. Promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing is another key area of focus, reducing reliance on imported medicines.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, will lead a significant side event. This event will focus on maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent survival, in partnership with the Accra Reset initiative. This collaboration highlights the multi-faceted approach required to address Africa's complex health challenges.
The Presidency welcomed all Heads of State, delegates, and stakeholders to Ghana. It reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with the African Union and its member states. This collaborative effort aims to improve healthcare and achieve universal health coverage across the entire continent. The outcomes of this summit will significantly influence future health policies and investments in Africa.