Mahama to Host AU Extraordinary Summit in Accra on Health Equity and Universal Coverage
President John Dramani Mahama will on Monday host the African Union Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Accra, convening African leaders for a two-day high-level dialogue on health justice, equity and Universal Health Coverage across the continent.
The Summit, running from July 21 to 22, 2026, is being held under the theme “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.”
It will 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 to work toward stronger health systems and accelerated progress on Universal Health Coverage.
The meeting opens today with a Member State Experts Meeting involving senior officials from Ministries of Health, Finance, and Economic and Development Planning, who will lay the technical groundwork for ministerial and Heads of State deliberations.
On Tuesday, the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government will convene to deliberate on and adopt key decisions shaping Africa’s health priorities, including a Declaration to accelerate implementation of the African Union Roadmap to 2030.
An important side event will be a Call to Action on Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Survival by the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, in partnership with the Accra Reset.
The Presidency said Ghana’s decision to host the historic gathering reflects President Mahama’s sustained investment in equitable healthcare delivery and the country’s resolve to lead by example on the continent.
Under his administration, Ghana has rolled out the Free Primary Health Care Programme, uncapped the National Health Insurance Scheme to guarantee broader access to essential services, and established the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as “MahamaCares,” as a financing mechanism to support Universal Health Coverage.
President Mahama is also spearheading targeted investments in health infrastructure, workforce development, emergency preparedness, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing, initiatives the Presidency said align directly with the objectives of the Extraordinary Summit and reinforce Ghana’s readiness to lead continental efforts to end AIDS and TB and reduce maternal mortality.
In a statement, the Presidency described the Summit as a critical opportunity for Africa to unite around a shared vision of health equity and justice, and urged all stakeholders to work toward practical, people-centred solutions for the health and wellbeing of all Africans.
The Government of Ghana extended a warm welcome to all Heads of State, delegates and stakeholders, 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.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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