The Health Community of West Africa Association reaffirmed its position as a leading force in healthcare transformation across Africa through its active participation as a strategic partner and exhibitor at the West Africa Pharma & Healthcare Expo 2026.
Held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on June 8, 2026, the Expo convened healthcare leaders, policymakers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers, investors, and development partners from across the continent under the theme, “Advancing Healthcare, Connecting Africa.” The event provided a platform for stakeholders to explore practical solutions to strengthen healthcare systems, promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing, encourage innovation, and deepen regional collaboration.
Opening the event, host Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President of the Health Community of West Africa Association, emphasized that the theme represented more than a slogan. He described it as a call to strengthen healthcare systems across Ghana and West Africa, reduce dependence on imported medicines, promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and create employment opportunities for young professionals in the health sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Anthony K. Ameka, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Africa Medical Equipment, Disposables and Devices Manufacturers and Suppliers (FOAMEDDS), highlighted the importance of building resilient and self-reliant healthcare systems. He noted that healthcare advancement must go beyond service delivery to include pharmaceutical industrialization, technological innovation, economic transformation, and health security.
A major highlight of the conference was the presentation by Dr. Benjamin Kwei Mensah, Director of International Partnerships and Business Development at the Health Community of West Africa Association. He reiterated the Association’s commitment to connecting healthcare stakeholders across Africa through strategic partnerships, innovation, and investment promotion.
Dr. Mensah revealed that the Health Community of West Africa Association is spearheading the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare delivery across Ghana. Through an ongoing programme, AI solutions are being introduced in more than 300 hospitals and healthcare facilities to improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance efficiency, and support better patient outcomes. He explained that AI-powered medical imaging and diagnostic platforms are helping clinicians detect diseases earlier while enabling more personalized treatment approaches.
Speakers throughout the event echoed the need for stronger collaboration between governments, academia, industry, and healthcare institutions. Michelle Nyarkoa Taylor, a Doctor of Pharmacy student from the University of Cape Coast, stressed the importance of aligning academic training with the realities of modern healthcare and pharmaceutical practice.
Representatives from the Ghana Health Service, the Food and Drugs Authority, the Ghana College of Pharmacy, COA Research & Manufacturing Company Limited, and the High Commission of India to Ghana also highlighted the significance of regulatory excellence, workforce development, local manufacturing, and international partnerships in advancing healthcare access across the continent.
Speaking on behalf of Ghana’s Minister for Health, Mr. Hafiz Adam commended Astrovision Global Group and the Health Community of West Africa Association for creating a platform that demonstrates Africa’s growing commitment to taking ownership of its healthcare future.
The expo concluded with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of exhibition booths, showcasing innovations, products, and services aimed at transforming healthcare delivery in Africa.
As healthcare challenges become increasingly interconnected across borders, participants agreed that stronger partnerships, technological innovation, and regional cooperation will be essential in shaping a healthier and more self-reliant Africa. Among the organizations at the forefront of this movement was the Health Community of West Africa Association, whose role as a strategic partner and exhibitor significantly enriched the conference discussions. Through its advocacy for collaboration, investment, digital health transformation, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence into healthcare delivery, the Association showcased practical solutions that align with the Expo’s vision of advancing healthcare and connecting Africa. Its presence not only highlighted ongoing efforts to transform healthcare across the region but also reinforced its position as a key catalyst for innovation, partnership, and sustainable healthcare development on the continent.
