Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially opened the 2nd Africa Health Workforce Investment Forum in Accra, urging African countries to move “from words to action” in strengthening their health systems.

The forum was held under the theme: “Africa’s Health Workforce: From Words to Action. Plan, Train, Retain.”

Addressing policymakers, development partners, and health stakeholders, she stressed that Africa’s health systems cannot be strengthened without deliberate investment in human capital.

“Africa’s health systems cannot be strengthened without deliberate investment in human capital,” she said.

She acknowledged progress made across the continent in areas such as life expectancy, immunisation coverage, maternal healthcare, and disease control. However, she noted that significant gaps remain in access, affordability, and quality of healthcare.

The Vice President also highlighted the significance of the Accra Reset Agenda, which aims to place citizens at the centre of governance through resilient, equitable, and accountable systems.

According to her, government is focused on advancing health sovereignty through sustainable financing, workforce development, and stronger healthcare institutions.

She outlined key government interventions, including the rollout of Free Primary Healthcare and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), which is expected to support persons living with chronic and high-cost illnesses.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening the health workforce, she announced plans for mass recruitment in the sector.

“Authorization has been granted for the recruitment of approximately 16,000 health workers this year,” she disclosed.

She further called for collaboration and reform to improve health workforce planning, training, employment, and retention across the continent.

“We must ensure stronger planning, purposeful training, sustainable employment, and dignified retention of Africa’s health workforce,” she added.