Posts in category: Event & News

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has formalized a strategic partnership with the Pharmacy Council of Ghana to advance healthcare and pharmaceutical standards across Ghana and the wider West African region.

The partnership, sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 7, 2024, in Accra, marks a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery in the region through joint initiatives, collaborative efforts, and knowledge exchange.

The MoU establishes a collaborative framework between China and Ghana, focusing on strengthening the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors in both countries. Key objectives include the promotion of academic exchanges, creation of training programs, and fostering research, which will enhance the overall quality of care across West Africa by leveraging international expertise.

The agreement was signed by Mrs. Doris Fosu-Hemaa Addae-Afoakwa, Board Chair of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, and Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, Registrar of the Council, while HCOWA Association was represented by Mr. David Tai, Director, and Mr. Prince Dogbey, Marketing Manager. Both parties expressed optimism for the partnership, highlighting the importance of their collaboration in addressing healthcare challenges across the region.

The Pharmacy Council of Ghana, established under the Health Professions Regulatory Bodies Act of 2013 (ACT 857), serves as the principal regulatory body for the pharmacy profession in the country. With a mission to regulate and control the practice of pharmacy, the Council ensures that the highest standards of pharmaceutical care are upheld, contributing significantly to the improvement of public health in Ghana.

HCOWA Association, on the other hand, brings together healthcare professionals from diverse sectors including medicine, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and manufacturing; thereby, facilitating collaboration to enhance healthcare delivery across West Africa. Through strengthened partnerships with key organizations like the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, HCOWA Association is positioning itself as a catalyst for positive change in the region’s healthcare industry, working towards modernizing practices, upgrading infrastructure, and improving patient outcomes.

In a brief remark following the signing, Dr. Daniel Amaning Danquah, Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Ghana, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “I am glad that we are signing this partnership and hope it will lead to fruitful outcomes. The Council is very much invested in improving the course of healthcare through the pharmaceutical industry, and this partnership is a step in the right direction.”

He added, “The Pharmacy Council is always open to brilliant discussions and partnerships aimed at the development of healthcare through the pharmacy sector.”

Mr. David Tai, Director of HCOWA Association, also emphasized the organization’s commitment to driving change in the healthcare sector. He remarked that HCOWA Association is prepared to offer various forms of support that will contribute to the growth and development of the pharmaceutical sector in the region.

The partnership focuses on upgrading pharmaceutical establishments and supporting the growth of the pharmacy sector in Ghana and West Africa. HCOWA Association will assist the Pharmacy Council in facilitating the donation of modern pharmaceutical equipment and resources to improve the capacity of local institutions. Additionally, the collaboration emphasizes policy advocacy, seeking to drive reforms in pharmaceutical practices and improve the accessibility of essential pharmaceutical services across the region. This mutual commitment will ensure better access to high-quality pharmaceutical care, benefiting both professionals and the wider population.

Moreover, the partnership aims to enhance networking opportunities for healthcare professionals in the region. One of the standout initiatives is the involvement of the Pharmacy Council in HCOWA Association’s annual Medical and Health Industry Investment Summit and Expo. This event serves as a significant platform for professionals to network, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities to drive innovation in healthcare and the pharmaceutical sectors.

Through such events, HCOWA Association and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana aim to build a robust network of healthcare professionals who can work together to address the pressing health challenges facing the region. This collaboration also aligns with HCOWA’s broader vision of promoting shared responsibility and joint cooperation to advance healthcare across the West African sub-region.

By working closely with both the private and public sectors, HCOWA Association aims to create a sustainable and efficient healthcare system that meets the needs of the population, while also driving economic growth through the development of healthcare-related industries.

As both organizations embark on this partnership, they are committed to a future of collective action and meaningful progress. Together, HCOWA Association and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana will continue to work towards advancing healthcare practices, improving access to pharmaceutical care, and ensuring both sectors are well-equipped to tackle the evolving challenges in the healthcare landscape.

The partnership between HCOWA Association and the Pharmacy Council of Ghana marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in the region’s healthcare journey. With shared objectives, clear commitments, and a shared dedication to improvement, both organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on healthcare standards and the delivery of pharmaceutical care across West Africa.

I am very glad to be here today. I get excited whenever we have a summit that focuses on investment in the health sector.

This event marks a significant milestone in our journey to transform the healthcare landscape in Ghana and West Africa. As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical role that healthcare plays in the development of our nation. A healthy population is a productive population, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our citizens have access to quality healthcare services. At the Ministry of Health, we place great importance on this program, and that is why I am here in person to grace this occasion.

This expo brings together innovators, investors, and industry leaders to showcase the latest advancements in medical technology, healthcare management, and innovation. It is a platform for us to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices, and to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership. I am pleased to see not only participants from Ghana but also our brothers and sisters from across the West African region.

We will engage in fruitful discussions, witness groundbreaking exhibitions, and forge meaningful connections. Together, we will explore how we can work collaboratively to address the healthcare challenges we face and leverage technology, innovation, and investment to improve healthcare solutions. It is especially important, in the face of a pandemic, to keep talking, meeting, and sharing ideas. Last time, it was COVID-19; this time, we are hearing about Mpox, and only God knows what lies ahead. The least we can do is to gather, share our ideas, and explore opportunities together.

I am proud to say that Ghana is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation. The government, under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo, is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for healthcare solutions and investment. We are excited to showcase our own successes and opportunities here today. We will not shy away from our challenges; rather, we shall discuss them openly.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Health Community of West Africa and congratulate you for organizing this important exhibition. I also want to thank everyone who made it here in person, from chiefs to clergy, industry players, and our friends at HCOWA.

Let me take this opportunity to assure you that the Government of Ghana will continue to support the private sector in its quest to improve the lives of our people. One of the best indicators of a country making progress is the interest of business people in investing in various sectors. More often, people only think of traditional factories when we talk about job creation, forgetting that investment in the health community can create thousands, even millions, of jobs.

I am particularly excited about this exhibition and expo, not just because of the wonderful innovations we are going to witness but also because, ultimately, more investments lead to more jobs, and more jobs lead to an improved quality of life.

So, thank you very much for your efforts, and I would like to congratulate all of us for participating in this expo. I thank you once again, and may God bless us all.

It is my great pleasure to join you today for the opening session of the Health Community of West Africa Medical Industry and Investment Summit and Expo 2024.

I extend a warm welcome to everyone, especially those who have traveled from outside Ghana. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the renowned Ghanaian hospitality during your stay.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers for their invitation and commend them for their foresight in arranging this event under the theme “Moving in Advance: Laying out a New Track for the Medical and Health Industry in West Africa.” This summit brings together key stakeholders to share ideas, discuss innovations, and explore investment opportunities.

The healthcare sector in West Africa faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and a shortage of skilled personnel. This summit aims to create a platform for us to come together, learn, network, and form new partnerships. By collaborating, we can identify innovative solutions to address these challenges.

The global medical industry is rapidly evolving, and it is crucial for us to stay updated with the latest advancements. This summit provides an opportunity to network, explore new technologies, and foster collaboration that will drive progress in healthcare across West Africa.

Over the next three days, we will hear from respected professionals in the industry, explore the latest trends and innovations, discuss sector challenges, and identify new investment opportunities.

We are excited to have such a diverse and talented group of professionals here, and I am confident that this summit will be a valuable experience for everyone involved.

Ghana’s vision for sustainable growth includes sectors with transformative potential, and the pharmaceutical industry is a key focus. The government has selected this sector as one of the ten strategic anchor industries under its Industrial Transformation Agenda, highlighting its importance.

The pharmaceutical industry is also a priority under ECOWAS’s West Africa Common Industrial Policy. The sub-regional healthcare market offers opportunities in medical devices, consumables, services, and digital technologies.

Africa’s health market is estimated to reach $259 billion by 2030, making it the second largest after the U.S. However, a significant portion of health budgets is spent on pharmaceuticals, with most of these products and vaccines imported.

The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors are vital for safeguarding community well-being and fostering a healthier society. By harnessing the sector’s potential, we not only stimulate economic growth but also improve living standards and access to essential healthcare services.

West Africa faces similar challenges to Ghana, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access in remote areas, and counterfeit drugs. Regional collaboration, public-private partnerships, and investment in healthcare technology are crucial to addressing these issues.

This exhibition provides a dynamic platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and showcase innovations that will shape the future of healthcare in West Africa and beyond, including the AfCFTA market.

As you may know, the health sector is critical to Ghana’s economy, attracting substantial government investment to ensure a healthy, productive population. The Ministry of Trade and Industry is finalizing the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy, which aims to provide incentives and enhance the industry’s growth, including local production of pharmaceutical ingredients and traditional medicine.

West Africa’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors are evolving positively, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and improved patient outcomes. The region’s growth potential is significant, and healthcare improvements contribute to sustainable economic development.

Before I conclude, I want to thank all the sponsors, exhibitors, and participants who have made this event possible. Your contributions are crucial to the summit’s success, and we are honored to have you here.

In closing, I encourage everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate towards a better future for healthcare in West Africa. Let us work together to create a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and of high quality for all.

Thank you for your attention, and may God bless us all.

Read by Dr. John-Hawkins Asiedu, Technical Advisor at the Ministry of Trade and In

ADDRESS DELIVERED ON BEHALF OF THE GREATER ACCRA
REGIONAL MINISTER, HON. DANIEL NII KWARTEI TITUS-GLOVER

It is an honor to host you for this groundbreaking event, organized under the auspices of the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Trade and Industry, the Greater Accra and Central Regional Coordinating Councils, and the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies.

Not long ago, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council welcomed a delegation from TIAST for discussions on a bilateral relations agreement. At the same time, HCOWA officials visited my office to explore a similar agreement. These early-stage discussions laid the groundwork for the summit and expo we are celebrating today.

It brings me immense joy to see this vision materialize into an event that promises mutual benefits for countries, the business community, and particularly for the healthcare sector in Ghana and West Africa. This initiative not only promotes business but also aims to improve health services and access across the region.

Accra, often regarded as the gateway to Ghana, is proud to host you. I trust that your time in our vibrant city has been enjoyable and memorable.

The Greater Accra Region is open for business and investment in the health sector and other complementary areas. Despite the challenges, there are significant opportunities awaiting exploration.

This summit and expo enhance the opportunities available in the region and represent a bridge for building partnerships and expanding collaboration among countries and businesses. Your presence today reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives throughout the sub-region.

The government’s interventions in the health sector, particularly post-COVID-19, have been both substantial and steadfast. Investments in research, infrastructure, and human capital development, including the Agenda 111 flagship project, underscore our commitment to providing quality health services to all Ghanaians. However, there is still much to be done to achieve universal health coverage, build resilient health systems, and ensure high-quality care for everyone.

Our sub-region, with its growing and aging populations, requires innovative healthcare solutions. This can only be achieved through collective exploration of investment, collaboration, and development opportunities.

In Ghana, and specifically in Greater Accra, we are dedicated to offering quality medical care supported by advanced technology and innovative practices, thanks to significant investments by both central and local governments. This summit plays a crucial role in advancing this vision by fostering dialogue and partnerships that drive progress and investment. Hosting this summit in Accra highlights the region’s role as a hub for medical innovation and investment.

The theme of this summit, “Moving in Advance: Laying Out a New Track for the Medical and Health Industry in West Africa,” aligns with our objectives of enhancing industry brand awareness, connecting supply and demand, improving investment and trade policy alignment, and guiding industrial cooperation. Let this theme inspire us to set new expectations for the future.

While here at the Accra International Conference Center, I encourage you to visit the free West African Hospital Exhibition set up by the organizers, which is expected to serve about 3,000 people over the next three days. I am confident that this summit and expo will be pivotal in fostering collaboration and innovation in the medical industry.

Let us seize this opportunity to forge strategic partnerships that will pave the way for growth and transformation in healthcare delivery, ultimately enhancing the quality of life across the region. I am optimistic that this summit will lead to fruitful discussions, groundbreaking ideas, and lasting partnerships.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your presence today. Your dedication to improving healthcare in West Africa is truly commendable. I wish you all a productive and inspiring summit. Let us move forward together and chart a new course for the medical and health industry in West Africa.

Thank you, and welcome once again to Accra.

Read by Director, Family Health Division, Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu

I bring you heartfelt appreciation from Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, who is currently on an international assignment addressing another significant event.

I am honored to represent the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) at this prestigious 2024 West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo. This gathering is pivotal for advancing healthcare in our region, and we acknowledge its importance.

The Ghana Health Service remains steadfast in our commitment to universal access to healthcare services. Our focus is on addressing both basic and comprehensive health needs through prudent resource management and equitable service delivery, ensuring high-quality health services across all levels in Ghana.

As the primary agency implementing Ghana’s national health service delivery policy, GHS plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery in our country. We have made significant progress in expanding access to services, strengthening health systems, and improving care quality. However, we recognize that much work remains.

As we endeavor to chart a new course for the medical industry in West Africa, let us remember that collaboration is essential in addressing the complex healthcare challenges we face. This summit provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources.

Through collaborative efforts, we can leverage our collective strengths to achieve necessary upgrades in health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and CHPS compounds. These improvements are critical for enhancing the healthcare workforce, procuring medicines and vaccines, upgrading infrastructure, and advancing data management systems for better service delivery and health outcomes.

The Ghana Health Service and our partners are committed to supporting these initiatives and fostering partnerships with industry players to drive progress. We are always open to dialogue and proactive actions that align with Ghana’s health sector policies, Universal Health Coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Investment in healthcare is crucial for sustainable development. Health expenditure is not just a cost but a strategic investment, as a healthy nation is indeed a wealthy nation.

Therefore, the Ghana Health Service encourages businesses and financial institutions present here to explore opportunities for investment in healthcare infrastructure and services for women, men, mothers, newborns, children, adolescents, and the elderly. We also need system-focused changes in nutrition, including strategic actions and commitments for commodity availability, workforce capacity strengthening, and robust surveillance systems to prevent, identify, and treat all forms of malnutrition.

Additionally, responsive social services and health system interventions are needed for healthy aging.

Academic research and collaboration are vital drivers of healthcare innovation. I commend the research centers, universities, and distinguished academics present here for their dedication to advancing healthcare knowledge and evidence-informed solutions.

Communities will always expect responsive health systems and hold key players accountable. I urge all participants to engage actively, share best practices, and contribute to the success of this summit.

Thank you!

I extend my greetings to everyone present today and acknowledge all protocols observed as we continue with the Investment Summit and Policy Park Introduction.

Today marks a crucial juncture in the evolution of healthcare across West Africa. The theme of our summit, “Moving in Advance: Lay Out a New Track for the Medical and Health Industry in West Africa,” is both timely and imperative. It underscores the urgent need for us to rethink, re-strategize, and reinvest in our health sector to better serve our people and position our region as a leader in medical innovation.

In Ghana, and specifically in the Central Region, the need to invest in the health sector is undeniable. While our healthcare infrastructure is progressing, significant advancements are still required to address the growing needs of our population. It is time to move beyond our reliance on imported medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and essential health supplies. This dependency not only strains our economy but also leaves our healthcare system vulnerable to external influences.

We must embrace bold steps towards becoming producers rather than mere consumers. The establishment of industrial parks dedicated to the health industry, as highlighted by HCOWA, is a vital step in this direction. By developing more production facilities within our region, we will not only meet our domestic health needs but also generate significant foreign revenue by exporting to other parts of West Africa and beyond.

The Central Region, with its strategic location and resources, is well-positioned to become a hub for medical manufacturing. We must leverage this potential to build a thriving ecosystem that supports the production of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and health technologies. This will not only strengthen our health sector but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce our trade deficit.

Investing in industrial parks and manufacturing capabilities goes beyond economic benefits; it is about ensuring we have the capacity to meet our healthcare needs effectively. It is about building resilience into our health system to better prepare for future challenges and laying the groundwork for a new era in healthcare—where West Africa is a producer of world-class medical products, not just a consumer.

The Central Regional Coordinating Council is committed to collaborating with HCOWA and other stakeholders to realize this vision. We envision a future where the Central Region is recognized as a center of excellence in healthcare manufacturing, where our factories produce life-saving tools and technologies, and where our people are empowered with the skills and opportunities to thrive in this growing industry.

However, achieving this vision requires substantial investment. We must attract both local and international investors who share our commitment and are willing to invest in the infrastructure, technology, and human capital needed to transform our health sector. We must also create an environment that fosters innovation, supports entrepreneurship, and incentivizes the development of new health technologies.

In closing, as we move forward with the Investment Summit and Policy Park Introduction, let us remember that the decisions we make today will shape the future of healthcare in West Africa. Let us commit to investing in our health sector, not just for economic gains but for the well-being of our people. Together, let us lay out a new track for the medical and health industry in West Africa—built on innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable growth.

Thank you.

Speech read by Mr. Serene Akpanya of the Central Regional Health Directorate

After the opening ceremony at the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo, an influential gathering of stakeholders from China and Ghana converged to explore investment opportunities in the healthcare sector. The summit was a pivotal moment for discussing how strategic investments in healthcare manufacturing could revolutionize the industry in Ghana and across the West African sub-region.

The event underscored the pressing need for a paradigm shift—from being predominantly import-dependent to becoming a manufacturing powerhouse in the healthcare sector. The vision is to establish Ghana and West Africa as leading hubs for medical manufacturing, which will drive significant economic growth, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the region’s overall economic resilience.

Prominent speeches were delivered by representatives from various key organizations, including:

Ghana Investment Promotion Centre: Discussed the investment climate in Ghana and the opportunities available for healthcare sector investments.

Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA): Highlighted the organization’s role in fostering partnerships and leveraging resources to advance healthcare infrastructure and services.

Ghana Association of Chinese Societies: Emphasized the importance of Sino-West African cooperation and its impact on improving healthcare standards.

Ghana Health Service: Focused on the current healthcare challenges and the necessity of manufacturing medical equipment locally.

Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and Central Regional Coordinating Council: Addressed regional development plans and the strategic importance of investing in healthcare infrastructure.

Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy: Discussed the pharmaceutical industry’s role and the benefits of enhancing local production capacities.

The summit was characterized by impressive insights into the potential of healthcare investments and the strategic plans for leveraging partnerships to drive progress. It provided a platform for engaging dialogue on how to overcome existing challenges, such as dependency on imports and gaps in healthcare infrastructure.

Discussions at the summit emphasized the need for:

1. Investment in Healthcare Manufacturing: Developing local production facilities for medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and other healthcare supplies to reduce reliance on imports.

2. Economic Growth and Job Creation: Utilizing manufacturing investments to stimulate economic development and create a range of job opportunities within the healthcare sector.

3. Strategic Partnerships: Building collaborative relationships between international and local stakeholders to foster innovation and share best practices.

4. Enhancing Healthcare Infrastructure: Upgrading hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers to improve service delivery and patient care.

5. Sustainable Development: Ensuring that healthcare advancements contribute to long-term economic and social growth.

The summit showcased HCOWA’s commitment to leveraging its resources and partnerships to achieve these goals. The event underscored the collective effort required to transform the healthcare landscape in West Africa and set a clear path towards a future where the region is not only a consumer of healthcare products but also a leading producer.

The 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo served as a crucial step in redefining the future of healthcare in the region, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable progress.

The theme of this summit, “Promoting Diversified Cooperation Models to Foster Joint Development among Producers, Hospitals, Doctors, and Patients,” encapsulates the essence of our mission at HCOWA. It is a call to action—a call for unity, collaboration, and a collective drive toward a healthier future for West Africa.

At HCOWA, we believe that the future of healthcare lies in the power of partnerships. The challenges we face in the healthcare sector are too complex, too interwoven, and too significant to be addressed in isolation. It is only through diverse and inclusive cooperation that we can effectively tackle these challenges and build a robust healthcare system that serves the needs of all.

The Health Community of West Africa has been at the forefront of shaping the health industry in our region. Our efforts are rooted in a vision of a West Africa where healthcare is not just a service but a thriving ecosystem that supports innovation, growth, and sustainability. Through our initiatives, we are not just responding to the needs of today; we are laying the groundwork for a future where West Africa becomes a hub of investment opportunities in the health sector.

One of our key strategies has been the upgrading of medical facilities across the region. By modernizing hospitals and clinics, we are ensuring that our healthcare institutions are equipped to provide the highest standards of care. But upgrading infrastructure alone is not enough. We must also invest in the people who make healthcare possible—the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who are the backbone of our health system.

To this end, HCOWA has placed a strong emphasis on academic research and exchanges. We believe that knowledge is the foundation of progress. By fostering partnerships between academic institutions, research centers, and healthcare providers, we are creating a culture of continuous learning and innovation. These exchanges not only enhance the skills and expertise of our healthcare professionals but also drive the development of new treatments, technologies, and approaches that are tailored to the unique needs of our region.

Through these collaborative efforts, we are not only improving healthcare delivery but also positioning West Africa as a leader in medical research and innovation. We envision a future where our region is not just a consumer of medical advancements but a producer—where our research institutions and healthcare providers set the standard for excellence in the global health community.

At the heart of HCOWA’s philosophy is the belief in shared responsibility. We recognize that the challenges facing our healthcare sector cannot be overcome by any one group alone. It is only through joint cooperation—between producers, hospitals, doctors, and patients—that we can achieve the transformative change we seek.

Producers play a critical role in this ecosystem by providing the tools and technologies that are essential to modern healthcare. Hospitals serve as the centers of care, where patients receive treatment and doctors apply their skills. Doctors, with their expertise and dedication, are the lifeblood of the healthcare system, while patients are both the beneficiaries and the driving force behind our efforts. Each of these stakeholders has a vital role to play, and it is only by working together that we can create a healthcare system that is resilient, responsive, and ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Promoting diversified cooperation models is essential to fostering this joint development. Diversification allows us to leverage the strengths of different stakeholders and create a more dynamic and adaptable healthcare system. For example, by integrating traditional healthcare practices with modern medical techniques, we can offer patients a more holistic approach to treatment. By encouraging collaboration between local producers and international partners, we can drive innovation while also building local capacity.

At HCOWA, we are committed to facilitating these diverse partnerships. We are working to create platforms where producers, hospitals, doctors, and patients can come together to share ideas, develop new models of care, and build the relationships that are necessary for sustainable growth. We believe that by fostering these connections, we can unlock new opportunities for investment, improve healthcare delivery, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all people in West Africa.

As we move forward, let us remember that the success of our healthcare system depends on our ability to work together. It depends on our willingness to embrace new ideas, to take risks, and to push the boundaries of what is possible. It depends on our commitment to shared responsibility and joint cooperation, and our belief in the power of partnerships to drive change.

At HCOWA, we are proud to be leading this charge. We are dedicated to building a healthcare system that is not only responsive to the needs of today but also resilient in the face of future challenges. We are committed to promoting diversified cooperation models that foster joint development among producers, hospitals, doctors, and patients. And we are determined to create a West Africa where healthcare is not just a service, but a thriving industry that supports economic growth, innovation, and the well-being of all.

In conclusion, I urge all of us to seize this opportunity. Let us work together to build a healthcare system that is worthy of our people—a system that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable. Let us commit to promoting the diversified cooperation models that will drive the joint development of our healthcare sector. And let us move forward with confidence, knowing that together, we can achieve the future we envision.

Thank you.

(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

We extend our heartfelt thanks to HCOWA for hosting this pivotal 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo here in Accra, Ghana—the center of the world.

As the unified voice of pharmaceutical industry players in Ghana, GNCP is honored to partner with HCOWA to advocate for significant investments in our pharmaceutical sector. We believe that this partnership is crucial for advancing our shared vision of making Ghana a leading hub for pharmaceutical innovation and production in Africa.

I would like to highlight three key projects that we are passionately working on:

1. Accurate Data Collection and Publication: We aim to gather and publish comprehensive data on the pharmaceutical industry in Ghana. This initiative will provide valuable insights and inform strategic decisions to drive growth and development in our sector.

2.Establishment of Pharma Parks: We plan to set up pharmaceutical parks within industrial zones to facilitate the production of basic pharmaceutical products. These parks will be equipped with common facilities accessible to all pharmacists, enabling them to produce and distribute their formulations more economically and efficiently.

3.Production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs): To address our dependency on imported raw materials, we are establishing a facility within the pharmaceutical enclave to produce APIs. This facility will be crucial for sustaining our pharmaceutical industry and ensuring a steady supply of essential ingredients.

To achieve our vision of making Ghana a prominent pharmaceutical industrial hub in Africa, we need to focus on building these critical infrastructures. A 150-acre plot at Dawa Industrial Area, owned by LMI Company, has already been reserved for this purpose. We warmly invite Chinese investors to join us in this endeavor, invest in our projects, and contribute to transforming Ghana into a great pharmaceutical industrial hub on the continent.

Thank you for your attention and support. We look forward to fruitful collaborations and a bright future for Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry.

Thank you.

Pharm Harrison Abutiatie

Chairman, Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy