Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for a fundamental shift in global health governance, urging the international community to move away from policies designed for countries towards policies developed with countries and implemented under their leadership.
He said the future of global health must be shaped by inclusive approaches that benefit all nations, particularly developing and pro-poor countries, through stronger local ownership, shared leadership and sustainable investment in health systems.
Akandoh made the remarks at the ongoing World Health Summit 2026 in Berlin, Germany, held from October 11 to 13 under the central theme, “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health.” The summit brings together global leaders from politics, science, civil society and the private sector to explore innovative approaches to building resilient, equitable and sustainable health systems.
Among the distinguished personalities participating in the summit are German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; President of the World Health Summit, Professor Dr Axel R. Pries; Chair of the Gavi Board and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark; and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children International, Inger Ashing.
According to the Minister, the Accra Reset, which he described as a central principle underpinning President John Dramani Mahama’s governance philosophy, provides a framework for transforming global health cooperation.
“The Accra Reset, which is now the spirit of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s governance, embedded in this call, places emphasis on the need to move from dependency to dignity, from fragmentation to solidarity, and from the promises of partnership to shared leadership,” he stated.
He emphasised that countries must have the capacity and authority to determine their own health priorities rather than depend excessively on externally designed interventions that may not adequately reflect their needs.
Ghana’s health reforms align with global direction
The Health Minister pointed to Ghana’s investments in primary healthcare, the Mahama Care initiative and increased investment in immunisation through local resource mobilisation as examples of the practical steps required to strengthen national health systems.
“From primary healthcare to Mahama Care, the increase in investment in immunisation through local mobilisation are the right steps needed to be taken, and I am happy Ghana is leading that direction,” he said.
Hon. Akandoh stressed that building resilient health systems requires countries to develop their own capacity, mobilise domestic resources and strengthen local institutions rather than rely primarily on external support.
He maintained that health system resilience must be built at home to ensure that countries can respond effectively to public health emergencies, improve access to essential services and sustain progress in healthcare delivery.
His remarks reinforce the growing call for a global health architecture that prioritises national ownership, equitable partnerships and locally driven solutions, particularly for countries whose health systems face resource constraints.
Ghana’s efforts receive recognition
The summit also recognised Ghana’s efforts in advancing its health sector under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
As part of the recognition, a plaque was presented to Hon. Akandoh in acknowledgement of Ghana’s efforts and leadership in promoting the principles underpinning the Accra Reset.
The recognition highlights Ghana’s contribution to the broader conversation on transforming global health cooperation and strengthening the role of developing countries in determining their health priorities.
Through the Accra Reset, Ghana is advocating a development approach that places greater emphasis on dignity, self-reliance, solidarity and shared responsibility, with the ultimate goal of building stronger and more sustainable health systems for all.
Watch a video of the Minister's remarks below:
Ghana's Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has called for a fundamental shift in global health governance, urging the international community to move away from policies designed for countries towards policies developed with countries and implemented under their leadership.
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