The Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA), in partnership with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), is leading a diplomatic and development-focused mission in the People’s Republic of China to deepen health sector collaboration in AI-driven healthcare solutions, academic exchange and capacity building of healthcare professionals.
The delegation, made up of senior Ghanaian health officials and HCOWAA leadership, arrived in Guangzhou on June 3, 2025, and was formally received on June 4 by the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission and Family Planning Commission.
The mission aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Ghana and China in the areas of healthcare innovation, academic exchange, pharmaceutical trade, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into West Africa’s health systems. The overarching goal is to position Ghana as a hub for medical technology, manufacturing, and healthcare excellence in the sub-region.
The distinguished delegation includes Mr. Gaetan Charles Adangabey, Chief of Staff to the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, and Mr. Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President of HCOWAA.
The engagement with the Guangdong Health Commission focused on advancing academic partnerships, facilitating healthcare investment, and promoting the adoption of advanced AI technologies in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure.
President of HCOWAA, Ms. Sihong Jiang, emphasized the urgency of addressing critical challenges facing Ghana’s healthcare system, including inadequate infrastructure and the shortage of experienced health professionals.
She noted that AI presents a strategic solution to improve diagnosis, treatment efficiency, disease monitoring, and supply chain management. Ms. Jiang stated that the collaboration will focus on several areas including the establishment of AI-powered medical departments in hospitals, the development of advanced AI medical imaging systems, the application of AI in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the use of AI and big data for national disease control, and the strengthening of AI-based medical supply chains.
According to her, these are not just technological upgrades, but strategic tools that can help bridge critical healthcare gaps across the sub-region.
“These pillars are not just technological upgrades,” she said, “but necessary steps to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality across the sub-region. Ghana is central to this vision, and we are committed to making it a leader in AI-driven healthcare in Africa.”
The delegation lauded the longstanding support from the Guangdong Health Commission, particularly the deployment of the 14th Chinese medical team to Ghana and the establishment of the HCOWAA-GHS Academic Exchange Committee. These initiatives have fostered knowledge exchange and enhanced medical practice between the two nations.
Mr. Gaetan Adangabey expressed deep appreciation for the Commission’s contributions to Ghana’s health sector, especially the release of the 14th batch of the Chinese Medical Team to Ghana.
“HCOWAA, the Ministry of Health, and GHS are immensely grateful. We hope this partnership continues to flourish for the betterment of healthcare in both regions,” he stated.
Responding to the delegation, the Deputy Director-General of the Guangdong Health Commission reaffirmed Guangdong’s commitment to supporting Ghana and HCOWAA in building sustainable and innovative health systems.
Mr. Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President of HCOWAA, added that the Association is ready to work with all Chinese medical institutions and partners to provide accessible, technology-driven healthcare solutions.
“Together, we are laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient West Africa,” he said.
The visit marks a new chapter in Ghana-China health diplomacy, one driven by innovation, strategic cooperation, and a shared vision for transformative healthcare across the continent.
By: PRINCE OPOKU DOGBEY, China
