Ghana to host AU Extraordinary Summit on Universal Health Coverage
Ghana will host the African Union Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra, from July 21 to 22, 2026.
This was contained in a press statement signed on Tuesday by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
The statement said the Extraordinary Session would bring together African Heads of State and Government, Ministers of Health, Finance and Foreign Affairs, the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities, development partners, civil society organisations, youth representatives and private sector actors, who would work together to strengthen Africa’s health systems and accelerate Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
It said Ghana’s decision to host the gathering reflected President Mahama’s sustained investment in equitable healthcare delivery and his resolve to lead by example on the continent.
The statement cited bold reforms undertaken under his administration to expand access to quality healthcare, including the rollout of the Free Primary Health Care Programme, the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee broader access to essential services, and the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, a dedicated financing mechanism to support Universal Health Coverage.
The statement said President Mahama was also spearheading targeted investments in health infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness and local pharmaceutical manufacturing, directly aligning with the objectives of the summit and reinforcing Ghana’s readiness to lead continental efforts to end AIDS and TB, and reduce maternal mortality.
It described the summit as a critical opportunity for Africa to unite around a shared vision of health equity and justice, saying President Mahama was proud to have Ghana host the continental dialogue, and urged all stakeholders to work towards practical, people-centred solutions for the health and wellbeing of all Africans.
The theme of the event is “Advancing Justice, Equity and Universal Health Coverage: Ending AIDS, TB, Improving Maternal Health, Addressing Endemic Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases and Conditions in Africa.”
The Government of Ghana extended a warm welcome to all Heads of State, delegates and stakeholders attending the summit, and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the African Union and member states to advance the shared goal of Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
