The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), the Central Regional Coordinating Council, and the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, successfully launched the 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo.
The three-day event, which kicked off on August 26, 2024, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, aimed to advance healthcare delivery and address disparities in the West African sub-region by focusing on medical equipment shortages and enhancing overall healthcare.
The event, themed “Moving in Advance: Lay Out A New Track for the Medical and Health Industry,” brought together key stakeholders, manufacturers, and suppliers from China, Ghana, and various West African countries.
The event featured business-to-business meetings, exhibitions, and an investment summit designed to foster partnerships and drive innovation in the healthcare sector.
Ghanaian Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye officially opened the summit, highlighting the significance of such gatherings in advancing the healthcare landscape.
He commended HCOWA for its efforts in organizing the event and stressed the importance of continued investment in the health sector to promote the well-being of communities and create jobs.
“Our journey to transform the healthcare landscape in Ghana and West Africa is crucial. This event is a significant milestone that reminds us of the critical role healthcare plays in the development of our nations,” Dr. Okoe Boye stated.
Chief Executive Officer of HCOWA, Anna Jiang, emphasized the need for a collaborative approach in the healthcare industry. She noted that while different parts of the healthcare system previously operated independently, a more integrated approach is now essential for progress.
“By working together, manufacturers, hospitals, doctors, and patients can build a healthcare system that is stronger and more effective,” Jiang said.
“Manufacturers can create products that meet the real needs of hospitals and doctors, while doctors can use the latest tools and technologies to provide better care, and patients can benefit from improved treatments and services,” she added
The Minister of Trade, K.T. Hammond, represented by his Technical Adviser, Dr. John Hawkins Asiedu, underscored the critical role of innovation and investment in improving health outcomes in West Africa. He highlighted the potential for the region to leverage these factors to overcome challenges in healthcare delivery.
The Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Mrs. Lilian Baeka noted the significance of the summit in promoting both business and healthcare service delivery. She affirmed the region’s openness to investment, particularly in the health sector, and emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing healthcare across the sub-region.
“This summit and expo added to the opportunities the region presents, broadening collaboration among countries and investors,” Mrs. Baeka remarked.
Xu Xiangping, President of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion (CAETP), delivered the keynote address, lauding the collaboration between Ghana and China in the health sector.
He expressed hope that the summit would attract more Chinese investment into Ghana, further enhancing the country’s healthcare system.
Tang Hong, Chairman of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies, also lauded the partnership between China and Africa, particularly in healthcare.
He noted that Ghana’s strategic location in West Africa and its involvement in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provided investors with access to a vast market of over 300 million people.
“Let us build on this, fostering a partnership that not only addresses the immediate health needs of our citizens but also contributes to the long-term development of our health system,” Tang urged.
The 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Industry Investment Summit and Expo saw the participation of over 500 health professionals and more than 150 exhibitors, marking a significant step forward in the region’s healthcare development. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to explore new technologies, innovations, and partnerships that will drive the future of healthcare in West Africa.
