President John Dramani Mahama is set to deliver a keynote address today at the 79th World Health Organization World Health Assembly in Geneva, where he is expected to champion a bold call for “health sovereignty” across the Global South.
The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, brings together world leaders, health experts, and policymakers to set global health priorities, approve operational budgets, and coordinate responses to emerging public health challenges and emergencies.
A major highlight of President Mahama’s address will be the presentation of the “Accra Reset Initiative,” a policy framework aimed at encouraging developing countries to build resilient and self-reliant healthcare systems amid declining international donor support.
The President is expected to urge global leaders to rethink the positioning of countries in the Global South within the international health architecture, stressing the importance of sustainable local investment in healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical production, and health financing.
Sources close to Ghana’s delegation say the address will project Ghana as a leading voice in Africa’s growing advocacy for equitable global health reforms and stronger domestic healthcare systems.
Beyond the plenary session, President Mahama is also scheduled to hold a series of bilateral engagements with international partners and host a high-level side event dubbed the “Geneva Clarion Call” under the broader Accra Reset agenda.
Upon his arrival in Geneva, President Mahama was received at the airport by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Mrs. Nane Annan, wife of the late former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The Ghanaian leader was later taken on a tour of the Kofi Annan Lounge at the airport, a facility dedicated to the memory of the late global diplomat by the Swiss government.
Ghana is expected to receive significant international attention during the Assembly, with more than 80 invitations extended to the country for participation in side events hosted by major global health institutions.
These engagements are expected to showcase Ghana’s recent progress in healthcare delivery, including the implementation of Free Primary Healthcare initiatives, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, and the strengthening of the National Health Insurance Scheme.
Government officials say the Assembly presents a strategic opportunity for Ghana to deepen international partnerships while positioning itself as a continental leader in healthcare innovation and reform.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
