By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama says timely access to safe and quality surgical care is essential to saving lives and preventing disability across Ghana and the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons on Monday, February 9, 2026, the President said surgical emergencies such as trauma, obstetric complications, cancers, congenital conditions and other acute illnesses require prompt and effective medical intervention. Delays, he noted, often result in avoidable deaths and prolonged suffering for families.
President Mahama commended surgeons and other healthcare professionals for their dedication, describing their work as central to the health, dignity and productivity of the population.
He also paid tribute to medical professionals who have lost their lives in the line of duty, saying their sacrifices underscore the need for strong health systems that guarantee access to specialised care regardless of location.
He stressed that building surgical capacity goes beyond training more surgeons, and must include strengthening the teams, facilities and systems that support safe surgery. These, he said, include anaesthesia services, diagnostics, blood supply, critical care, sterile supply chains and reliable referral networks.
The President added that continuous professional development, strong governance structures and effective regulatory frameworks are critical to protecting patients and ensuring high standards of care.
President Mahama said the government is implementing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which provides financial support for the treatment of priority conditions such as cancers, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. He noted that part of the fund is also dedicated to training specialist doctors to strengthen Ghana’s surgical workforce.
He called on governments, professional bodies and institutions across West Africa to collaborate in expanding and upgrading health infrastructure, improving working conditions for health professionals and promoting innovation, including the use of technology in medical training and practice. He also emphasised the need to prioritise gender equity in surgical training to build more resilient health systems.
President Mahama commended the West African College of Surgeons for its commitment to excellence, mentorship and regional cooperation, and formally declared the conference open, wishing delegates fruitful deliberations and a pleasant stay in Ghana.
