By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has stated that universal access to quality healthcare remains a key pillar of Ghana’s development agenda, stressing that no citizen should be denied life-saving medical care because of where they live or their financial situation.
Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons in Accra on Monday February 9, 2026, President Mahama said strong and inclusive health systems are essential for national growth, productivity, and social dignity.
The President in his address praised the critical role surgeons play in saving lives and improving the wellbeing of citizens. He described the work of surgeons as inseparable from the health, dignity, and productivity of the people.
President Mahama also reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems, including improving infrastructure, training specialists, and supporting medical teams that ensure safe surgical care.
He noted that capacity building in surgery goes beyond producing more surgeons and must include strong support systems such as anaesthesia, nursing, diagnostics, blood services, and reliable referral networks.
He announced that Ghana is implementing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as part of efforts to protect families from the financial burden of serious illnesses. According to him, the fund will support treatment for priority conditions such as cancers, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases, while also investing in the training of specialist doctors.
The President further called for stronger regional cooperation, saying specialist training and quality healthcare can only be achieved through shared standards, accredited institutions, and collaboration across West Africa. He commended the West African College of Surgeons for its long-standing contribution to training surgeons and promoting excellence in medical practice in the sub-region.
President Mahama also expressed concern about the migration of skilled health professionals, urging governments to improve working conditions and career pathways to encourage health workers to stay and serve.
He encouraged greater inclusion in surgical training, particularly the promotion of women in surgery and leadership, and called for the responsible use of innovation and technology to improve healthcare delivery.
