President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghana’s Ministry of Health and financial policymakers to shift their perspective on health from being a cost to a vital economic investment.
Speaking at the 2025 Africa Health Sovereignty Summit on Tuesday, August 5, President Mahama emphasised that investing in health is fundamental to achieving sustainable national development.
He argued that health should no longer be viewed as a drain on the economy but rather as a powerful engine of productivity and a pillar for inclusive growth.
“We are not merely reacting to emergencies; we are building systems that create jobs, reduce inequalities, and uphold the dignity of every Ghanaian, no matter where you are,” he stated. “Health is wealth, and we must reframe the economies of wellbeing.”
He further urged economists to revise how national accounts are calculated, advocating for the recognition of health as a productivity multiplier rather than a consumption expense.
According to him, such a shift is essential for mobilising long-term funding and fostering innovation within health systems.
The summit brought together health experts, policymakers, and development partners to explore ways of strengthening Africa’s health sovereignty and ensuring that investments in health translate into broader socio-economic transformation.
