Opening Remarks by Honourable Mr Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health, Ghana on the Occasion of the Second Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties to the Treaty for the Establishment of the African Medicines Agency
2–4 JUNE 2025, KIGALI, RWANDA

Your Excellency, Commissioner for Health, Social and Humanitarian Affairs, Madam Ama Twum;

Your Excellency, Commissioner for Health of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana;

Esteemed Health Ministers;

Director of Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the African Union, Professor Julio Rakotonirina;

Heads of Agencies, Government Representatives, Development Partners;

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is both an honour and a privilege to join you today at this landmark gathering. We are united by a shared vision—to strengthen Africa’s health systems through the establishment of a transformative institution: the African Medicines Agency.

Let me begin by expressing heartfelt appreciation to all who have worked tirelessly to bring us to this point. I pay special tribute to the immediate past Commissioner and her dedicated team at the Bureau. Your leadership and unwavering commitment have laid the firm foundation upon which we now build.

I also extend my sincere congratulations to the Republic of Rwanda for graciously accepting to host the African Medicines Agency. In Ghana, we say “Ayekoo”—Bravo!—for this commendable act of continental service. My warmest congratulations as well to the newly appointed Commissioner and Board Members. You have embraced a noble responsibility, and we are confident in your ability to deliver with integrity and excellence.

Colleagues and friends, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities in our health systems. It taught us urgent, painful, but necessary lessons: Africa must never again be caught unprepared or dependent. We must build robust, sovereign systems that guarantee the availability and accessibility of quality medicines and health technologies—delivered where and when they are needed.

We can no longer afford to rely on handouts or surplus donations that arrive late or in inadequate quantities. The time for action is now.

It is with this clarity that I urge us all to approach today’s agenda with a spirit of unity, deep commitment, and continental pride. Let our deliberations be shaped by mutual respect, technical excellence, and a collective resolve. Together, let us shape the African Medicines Agency into a beacon of resilience, self-reliance, and hope for our continent.

In conclusion, I am deeply honoured to accept the responsibility of chairing this important session. I do so with full confidence in your cooperation and support.

Thank you, and may our shared efforts lead to a healthier, stronger, and more self-reliant Africa.