The 4th edition of the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Exhibition, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, featured a dynamic panel discussion exploring how artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and telemedicine are shaping the future of medicine in Ghana and across the West African sub-region.
Themed “AI, Big Data and Telemedicine Diffusion in Ghana—Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward,” the panel of profound healthcare professionals, regulators, and stakeholders tackled pressing issues including telemedicine regulation, pharmaceutical innovation, medicine accessibility, and emerging trends in pharmacy.
The event opened up with a welcome address from Mr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Project Director of West Africa Pharma and Healthcare (WAPHC) who expressed heartfelt appreciation to partners and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the events while expounding on the essence of Africa–India collaborations in improving the quality of healthcare.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Godwin Acquaye, CEO of Business and Financial Times, highlighted the momentum of Ghana’s digital health transformation. “The digital health market is projected to reach $131.4 million this year, with growth expected to exceed $210 million by 2029,” he noted. Citing innovations such as 3D telemedicine developed in partnership between Microsoft Research and Ghanaian doctors, Dr. Acquaye praised the progress being made but cautioned that rural and underserved communities are still being left behind.
“While we celebrate technological advancements, we must also ask: who truly benefits?” he said. “Equity, ethical data use, and strong regulatory frameworks must be at the center of our efforts.”
The event, backed by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of AgriBusiness, Trade and Industry, and leading industry associations, positioned Ghana as a growing hub for pharmaceutical innovation and digital healthcare in West Africa.
Key pointers highlighted during the discussions;
Ensuring Drug Safety and Public Trust
Mr. Eric Owusu, Head of the Department of Drugs and Nutraceuticals Registration at the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), addressed concerns about the safety of medications sold through digital platforms. He emphasized that drug safety begins with quality control. “From manufacturing to packaging, and even in transportation, every step must meet regulatory standards. Our systems for pre-approval checks and patient feedback ensure we maintain these safety standards,” he said.
AI and Big Data: The Investment and Awareness Gap
Dr. (Pharm) Samuel Otuo-Serebour, Managing Director of Drugnet, outlined the barriers slowing down AI and big data adoption in healthcare. “There’s a significant gap in public awareness and funding coupled with a lack in the required legal frameworks and support to safely implement these technologies,” he said. He called for more awareness, clearer legislation, and more collaboration between government and tech developers to ensure both innovation and patient protection.
Telemedicine: Bridging Distances, Protecting Privacy
On the topic of telemedicine, Dr. Wisdom Offiong, Medical Officer at The Bank Hospital, underscored the importance of informed consent and data privacy. “Patient confidentiality is foundational. Whether in-person or via phone, every interaction must be guided by consent,” he said. Dr. Offiong emphasized that in a digital world vulnerable to cyber threats, securing health data requires collaboration between clinicians and cybersecurity experts.
Private Health Facilities:
Mr. Frank Torblu, General Secretary of the Private Health Facilities Association of Ghana (PHFAoG), offered insights into the unique challenges private healthcare providers face. “Initially, there were fears that telemedicine would take patients away from our facilities. But we now see the potential for synergy between e-pharmacy platforms and telemedicine,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that most benefits of digital health are still confined to urban areas. “Private facilities are vital to Ghana’s healthcare system, yet we lack the infrastructure, staffing, and capacity building needed to fully integrate key innovations. ,” he added. He urged targeted investments and training programs to help private providers expand their reach.
Concerns from the Floor
Audience members raised practical challenges, including the safe delivery of medications under proper conditions, the growing risk of drug misuse, and the regulatory oversight needed to manage the evolving digital health space. There were also calls for stronger logistics frameworks to ensure the timely and safe delivery of pharmaceuticals, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
A Call to Action
In closing remarks, panelists emphasized the need for practical innovation grounded in frontline experience. “Healthcare apps and digital tools should be designed in consultation with those who work bedside—doctors, nurses, and pharmacists,” one speaker stated. The consensus was clear: healthcare providers must commit to delivering not just services, but real value.
The discussion ended with a unified call to action: strengthen pharmaceutical systems, ensure ethical and inclusive telemedicine, explore AI-driven innovations, and expand access to e-pharmacy services across all regions of Ghana.
Organized by Astrovision Global FZCO Dubai and ACE Group, the West Africa Pharma and Healthcare Expo 2025, brought together over 120 exhibitors and hundreds of healthcare professionals from across the globe as it continues to solidify its place as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation in the region’s health sector.
