The Medical and Dental Council of Ghana (MDC) has officially launched preparations to host the 28th Annual Scientific Conference of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) from 23rd to 27th August 2026 at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra.

The announcement was made by Dr Divine Ndonbi Banyubala, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the MDC, at a media launch held at the Council’s office complex.

The conference will be held under the theme: “Responsive Regulation for Safer Communities towards Universal Health Coverage”

Dr Banyubala said the event is not “merely another conference” but a continental platform to shape the future of health care regulation in Africa.

AMCOA is the Association of Medical Councils of Africa —a continental body of health practitioner regulatory authorities, particularly medical and dental councils. 

Its mission is to strengthen health care regulation by promoting high standards in medical education, professional registration, ethical practice, regulatory science, and public protection.

“Simply put, AMCOA exists to ensure that Africans can have greater confidence that those who are entrusted with their health care are competent, are ethical and are accountable,” Dr Banyubala stated.

He noted that rapid changes in healthcare including digital health, Artificial Intelligence (AI),  cross-border mobility of professionals, emerging diseases, and humanitarian crises demand regulatory systems that are responsive, adaptive, and fit for purpose.

The 5-day conference will bring together regulators, policymakers, professional associations, academics, and development partners to exchange ideas and develop solutions. 

Key sub-themes include:

1. Ensuring systems are fair, transparent and responsive

2. Building capacity through research and innovation  

3. Harmonizing standards and facilitating professional mobility

4. Using technology to verify practitioners, combat fraud and quackery

5. Upholding standards during conflicts and emergencies

A historic joint workshop with the International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA) and WHO Afro Region will also be held.

The conference will be opened on Monday, 24th August 2026 by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, and closed on Wednesday, 26th August by the Right Honourable Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

At least 315 participants are expected including representatives from medical and dental councils across Africa, the Allied Health Professions Councils of Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and others, professional associations, training institutions, health insurance schemes, and development partners.

The scientific sessions have been awarded 13 CPD credit points for Ghanaian practitioners.

Dr Banyubala said Ghana was chosen because of its reputation for democratic stability, hospitality, and progressive health sector reforms, particularly the President’s agenda on health sovereignty in Africa.

“Hosting AMCOA 2026 offers our country another opportunity to showcase these great achievements whilst learning from the experiences of our colleagues across the continent,” he said.

The MDC called on corporate organizations, development partners, and the media to support the conference. 

Current sponsors include ECFMG, NHIA Ghana, GOIL, GNPC, International SOS, Ghana Medical Association and media partners City FM/TV and Peace FM.

Registration is open at www.mdcghana.org. For sponsorship enquiries, contact the Standards and Quality Assurance Department on +233 203 168 188 or standards@mdc.gov.gh.

Dr Banyubala concluded: “Together, let us make #AMCOA2026 a landmark conference that advances patient safety, deepens professional excellence, and strengthens responsive regulation across our continent.”