Ghana Health Stakeholders Demand Unified Action for Universal Coverage
Experts at Accra conference urge joint effort to make universal health coverage a reality across Africa
Speakers at the 6th Biennial Scientific Conference in Accra have warned that Ghana cannot reach universal health coverage without coordinated action across all sectors.
The three‑day gathering, themed “Advancing universal health coverage in Africa: Harnessing innovation, equity and resilient health systems for sustainable health outcomes,” convened scholars, clinicians, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives to explore ways of strengthening health systems.
Organisers, the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ghana, highlighted that achieving UHC demands an ecosystem where scientific findings shape policy, policy drives implementation, and implementation translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Participants stressed that sustainable financing, continuous innovation, robust primary care and policies addressing social and economic determinants are essential pillars of any effective health strategy.
Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development at the University of Ghana, called for research to move beyond academic papers and become practical tools that enhance health service delivery, especially during crises.
The conference recorded 87 submitted abstracts, with 44 selected for presentation, and the provost urged attendees to engage constructively with student and early‑career researchers to refine their work and foster collaborative networks.
Dr Koku Awoonor‑Williams, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Health, argued that the nation should shift focus from health‑care spending to measuring the impact of such expenditures, citing the Free Primary Healthcare initiative as a key step toward reaching underserved populations.
He warned that free services mean little if facilities lack essential medicines, equipment or staff, and advocated for stronger community health services, improved referral pathways, incentives for rural health workers, mobile outreach programmes and digital solutions.
Samir Sadaoui, CEO of Promasidor Ghana, shared how his company’s partnership with the National Cardiothoracic Centre has enabled life‑saving heart surgeries for over 1,300 patients who could not otherwise afford them, and how donated equipment is bolstering hospital capacities.
Overall, the conference underscored that building resilient, equitable health systems in Ghana and across Africa requires sustained collaboration, innovative financing and a commitment to turning research into real‑world health solutions.
