I extend my greetings to everyone present today and acknowledge all protocols observed as we continue with the Investment Summit and Policy Park Introduction.
Today marks a crucial juncture in the evolution of healthcare across West Africa. The theme of our summit, “Moving in Advance: Lay Out a New Track for the Medical and Health Industry in West Africa,” is both timely and imperative. It underscores the urgent need for us to rethink, re-strategize, and reinvest in our health sector to better serve our people and position our region as a leader in medical innovation.
In Ghana, and specifically in the Central Region, the need to invest in the health sector is undeniable. While our healthcare infrastructure is progressing, significant advancements are still required to address the growing needs of our population. It is time to move beyond our reliance on imported medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and essential health supplies. This dependency not only strains our economy but also leaves our healthcare system vulnerable to external influences.
We must embrace bold steps towards becoming producers rather than mere consumers. The establishment of industrial parks dedicated to the health industry, as highlighted by HCOWA, is a vital step in this direction. By developing more production facilities within our region, we will not only meet our domestic health needs but also generate significant foreign revenue by exporting to other parts of West Africa and beyond.
The Central Region, with its strategic location and resources, is well-positioned to become a hub for medical manufacturing. We must leverage this potential to build a thriving ecosystem that supports the production of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and health technologies. This will not only strengthen our health sector but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce our trade deficit.
Investing in industrial parks and manufacturing capabilities goes beyond economic benefits; it is about ensuring we have the capacity to meet our healthcare needs effectively. It is about building resilience into our health system to better prepare for future challenges and laying the groundwork for a new era in healthcare—where West Africa is a producer of world-class medical products, not just a consumer.
The Central Regional Coordinating Council is committed to collaborating with HCOWA and other stakeholders to realize this vision. We envision a future where the Central Region is recognized as a center of excellence in healthcare manufacturing, where our factories produce life-saving tools and technologies, and where our people are empowered with the skills and opportunities to thrive in this growing industry.
However, achieving this vision requires substantial investment. We must attract both local and international investors who share our commitment and are willing to invest in the infrastructure, technology, and human capital needed to transform our health sector. We must also create an environment that fosters innovation, supports entrepreneurship, and incentivizes the development of new health technologies.
In closing, as we move forward with the Investment Summit and Policy Park Introduction, let us remember that the decisions we make today will shape the future of healthcare in West Africa. Let us commit to investing in our health sector, not just for economic gains but for the well-being of our people. Together, let us lay out a new track for the medical and health industry in West Africa—built on innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable growth.
Thank you.
Speech read by Mr. Serene Akpanya of the Central Regional Health Directorate
