Mahama directs Geneva mission to advance Ghana’s health sovereignty agenda
President John Dramani Mahama has directed Ghana’s mission in Geneva to advance the country’s health sovereignty agenda, with particular emphasis on equitable access to essential health products and strengthening local capacity to meet the healthcare needs of Ghanaians.
He said Ghana must build stronger capacity to meet its own health needs and reduce dependence on external arrangements that could leave the country vulnerable, stressing that health sovereignty remained an important part of the government’s Reset Agenda.
President Mahama gave the directive when he commissioned four ambassadors-designate, including Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, who has been appointed Ghana’s Permanent Representative-designate to Switzerland.
He charged the incoming representative to use Ghana’s engagement with international institutions to promote the country’s interests in public health, trade, labour and human rights.
“You must also advance the Accra Reset agenda in Geneva, particularly in discussions on health sovereignty, equitable access to essential health products, and stronger national capacity,” he said.
The President explained that Ghana’s representatives must ensure that the country’s positions were clearly articulated and supported by sustained engagement with other delegations and relevant international institutions.
He also urged the Geneva mission to work closely with the relevant ministries and government agencies to ensure that Ghana’s negotiating positions reflected the country’s priorities and development needs.
President Mahama said Ghana must build coalitions with African countries and other partners whose interests aligned with its own, while pushing for international rules that adequately considered the needs of developing economies.
He noted that decisions taken by international institutions could have significant implications for Ghana’s access to healthcare, trade opportunities and broader development prospects.
The President further said Ghana’s re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term placed a renewed responsibility on the country to contribute meaningfully to international discussions and the promotion of human rights.
He commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the ministry for their efforts in securing the re-election and urged the Geneva mission to translate the confidence placed in Ghana into constructive service on the Council.
President Mahama also called on the newly appointed envoys to align their work with the government’s foreign policy framework, maintain close coordination with their parent ministry and ensure that their activities delivered tangible benefits to the Ghanaian people.
He said the success of Ghana’s diplomatic engagements should be measured by their contribution to national development, including stronger local capacity, improved access to essential products and greater opportunities for economic growth.
The newly commissioned envoys are Nana Antwiwaa Dodoo, Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Angola; Louis Kwame Obeng, Ambassador-Designate to the State of Qatar; Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, Ambassador-Designate to the State of Israel; and Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, Permanent Representative-Designate to Switzerland.
