UNGA81: Global South must take full control of its health systems – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has called on countries in the Global South to take greater control of their health financing, production and policy decisions, arguing that genuine ownership cannot be achieved without control over the resources that sustain health systems.

He made the call in New York during the launch of the Accra Reset High-Level Panel Report, ‘A Sovereign Future for Health’, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

President Mahama said developing countries have for years been expected to take ownership of health programmes while critical funding and decision-making powers remained outside their control.

“Today, through the Accra Reset, we declare unequivocally that there can be no ownership without control,” he said.

According to him, the Global South must strengthen its productive and financial capacity to determine its own health priorities rather than remain dependent on external funding.

He, however, stressed that taking control must come with strong domestic accountability and responsible management of public resources.

“Sovereignty does not magically appear because a country signed a donor agreement,” President Mahama stated.

He added, “If we demand control, we must earn it through uncompromising domestic accountability.”

President Mahama said the principle should guide countries across the Global South as they seek to build stronger and more resilient health systems.

“No ownership without control, yes, but no control without absolute accountability to our people. This is the bedrock of our new global bargain,” he said.

He also stressed that greater self-reliance should not mean cutting ties with international partners, but rather building relationships based on equality and mutual benefit.

“Let me be clear, this Sovereign Health Agenda, Accra Reset, is not a retreat into isolationism. We’re seeking pragmatic interdependence, a mature, equal partnership where we see one another as equals,” he said.

The ‘A Sovereign Future for Health’ report sets out 10 practical recommendations for reforming global health architecture and governance, with Ghana expected to work with governments, global health institutions, development finance bodies, philanthropies and the private sector to translate the recommendations into country-level action.