(On behalf of the CEO, Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I), it is my privilege to join you today at the 2024 HCOWA China-West Africa Medical Industry Summit and Expo, under the theme: “Moving in Advance: Laying Out a New Track for the Medical and Health Industry in West Africa.” This platform presents an excellent opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in the health and medical sectors, both here in Ghana, across West Africa, and globally.
At GEPA, our mandate is primarily focused on export development and the promotion of Made in Ghana products. Our efforts span across major sectors of the economy, including manufactured goods and trade in services—two crucial pillars within our broader export categorization.
Mr. Chairman, the medical space, including medical tourism, represents a key sector with tremendous export potential and deserves the exclusive attention of policymakers and stakeholders across the value chain. This understanding has driven the inclusion of medical services as one of the 17 priority value chains in the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), earmarked for strategic support and positioning.
GEPA’s contributions to this sector have been diverse. Our work includes export mapping of various health and medical facilities and their areas of specialization, profiling these centers on the market hub for international exposure, and offering market access support within the subregion. Today’s collaboration underscores our unwavering commitment to the sector.
This summit marks a significant milestone in the collaborative journey between China and West Africa—a journey poised to deliver transformative advancements in healthcare, spurred by innovation, investment, and a shared sense of responsibility.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the healthcare sector stands at the core of human development. It is the foundation upon which we build healthy societies, ensure the well-being of our populations, and secure the future of generations to come. Nonetheless, we are aware of the numerous challenges—ranging from inadequate infrastructure, lack of after-sales services, and limited access to quality healthcare. This summit and expo provide us with a unique platform to tackle these challenges head-on.
China’s advances in medical technology, pharmaceutical development, and healthcare infrastructure are recognized globally. Meanwhile, Ghana boasts several centers of medical excellence that provide both preventive and therapeutic services to patients across the sub-region. By combining our strengths—China’s expertise and West Africa’s dynamic, growing markets—we can create a powerful synergy that drives meaningful change throughout the sub-region.
While Ghana’s manufacturing sector contributes over 70% of earnings in the Non-Traditional Export (NTE) basket, our output in the manufacturing and export of medical equipment is limited. Current data indicates that exports of medical equipment amount to less than a million dollars. It is therefore crucial to establish a modern medical manufacturing facility in Ghana to serve both the local and sub-regional markets.
In closing, I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, and all participants who have made this summit and expo possible. Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable.
Let us seize this opportunity to shape a brighter and healthier future for all.
Thank you, and I wish you a successful and productive summit.
OSAFOHENE DR. AFUA ASABEA ASARE I
CEO, GEPA
