Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has inaugurated the second Africa Health

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

Workforce Investment Forum in Accra, calling on African leaders and stakeholders to move beyond policy rhetoric and take concrete action to strengthen the continent’s health systems.

The Forum, held under the theme “Africa’s Health Workforce: From Words to Action – Plan, Train, Retain,” brought together heads of state, policymakers, development partners, and health sector stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable investments in Africa’s healthcare workforce.

Addressing participants, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed that Africa’s health systems could not be strengthened without deliberate and sustained investment in human capital. While acknowledging progress in areas such as life expectancy, immunization coverage, maternal healthcare, and the fight against infectious diseases, she noted that millions of Africans still face significant barriers to accessing affordable and quality healthcare.

According to the Vice President, the situation highlights the urgent need to transition from policy declarations to practical implementation and measurable outcomes.

She further underscored the significance of the Accra Reset Agenda, which seeks to place citizens at the centre of governance through resilient, equitable, and accountable systems. In the health sector, she explained, the agenda is focused on promoting health sovereignty by enabling African countries to define their own health priorities, mobilize sustainable financing, train and retain healthcare professionals, and strengthen institutions.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted several government interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery and reducing financial burdens on citizens.

These include the recently launched Free Primary Healthcare initiative, designed to expand access to essential health services, and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, which supports individuals living with chronic and high-cost illnesses.
She added that the initiatives are being complemented by investments in specialist healthcare, modern medical equipment, and comprehensive workforce development programmes.

Reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector workforce, the Vice President announced that approval had been granted for the recruitment of approximately 16,000 health workers this year. She described the move as a strategic investment that would enhance national productivity, economic resilience, and human development.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang concluded by urging stakeholders at the Forum to sustain collaboration, innovation, and practical reforms to ensure stronger planning, effective training, sustainable employment, and dignified retention of Africa’s health workforce.