Mahama Pledges Stronger Support for Surgical Care at WACS 66th Annual Conference

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening surgical care and specialist training across the country and the West African sub-region, describing the work of surgeons as critical to national development and public health.

Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) in Accra, President Mahama expressed gratitude for being named Grand Patron of the conference and admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the College.

“I accept these recognitions on behalf of all the people of Ghana, with humility and renewed commitment to support the work of the college, because the work of surgeons is inseparable from the health, dignity and productivity of our people,” he said.

The President commended the West African College of Surgeons for its significant contribution to training specialists across the sub-region, noting that the institution represents the strength of regional cooperation.

“The West African College of Surgeons exemplifies what our sub-region can achieve when professionalism, shared standards and a common purpose guide our efforts,” he stated.

President Mahama also praised volunteer surgeons who have provided medical outreach services across Ghana and assured them that government would settle outstanding financial obligations owed them.

“There’s an outstanding bill, and I’ve discussed with the Minister of Health… kindly submit the bill to the Minister of Health, we will take up that cost and still express appreciation to you for what you have done,” he announced.

Addressing the conference theme, “Capacity Building in Surgery,” the President stressed that strengthening healthcare systems requires a comprehensive approach beyond training more surgeons.

“Capacity building must be understood comprehensively. It is not only about producing more surgeons. It’s equally about strengthening the teams and the systems that support safe surgery, including anesthesia, nursing, diagnostics, blood services, sterile supply chains, critical care and reliable referral pathways,” he said.

He assured participants that government would study recommendations from the conference to guide health sector reforms.

“We will carefully study the recommendations coming out of this conference and work with stakeholders to implement those that require immediate action, while developing structured pathways for longer-term reforms,” he noted.

President Mahama raised concerns about the increasing migration of skilled health professionals from the region and called for practical measures to retain them.

“Our response must be deliberate and practical, improving working conditions, strengthening career pathways, enhancing professional recognition and creating environments in which health workers can thrive and choose to serve,” he said.

On healthcare financing, the President highlighted the implementation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a key intervention to support treatment of non-communicable diseases and specialist training.

“Crucially, the fund is also structured to strengthen the supply of specialist care… in doing so, we’re not only responding to today’s needs but also deliberately investing in the specialist workforce required for timely, safe and high-quality care in the years ahead,” he explained.

President Mahama also emphasized the importance of gender equity in surgical training and leadership.

“Gender equity in surgical training and leadership is not only a matter of fairness but also a practical necessity for stronger, more resilient health systems,” he stressed.

Touching on the role of innovation, the President encouraged the adoption of technology and artificial intelligence in surgical education and clinical practice.

“When deployed responsibly, technology can strengthen education, improve clinical decision-making, facilitate mentoring and enhance quality assurance to the ultimate benefit of patients across our countries,” he said.

The President paid tribute to pioneering surgeons and medical professionals whose work advanced specialist training in West Africa, while also honoring healthcare workers who lost their lives during medical outreach missions.

He concluded by commending the College for its dedication to excellence and officially declared the conference open.

“It is my singular honor to declare the 66th Annual Conference of the West African College of Surgeons officially open,” President Mahama declared.

The conference has brought together surgeons, healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers from across West Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening surgical training, research and service delivery across the region.