President John Dramani Mahama has called for sustained investment in surgical capacity and broader health systems strengthening across West Africa, describing the work of surgeons as vital to the dignity, productivity, and well-being of the region’s people.

Speaking at the opening of the annual conference of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) in Accra, the President commended surgeons for their life-saving efforts and the critical role they play in improving healthcare outcomes.

In a light-hearted moment, he joked about his own discomfort in operating theatres, while acknowledging the courage, skill, and resilience required in the profession.

President Mahama stressed that improving surgical care must go beyond simply training more surgeons.

Instead, he said, governments must focus on building stronger health systems that support surgical delivery, including investments in anaesthesia, nursing, diagnostics, blood services, critical care, and efficient referral pathways.

He assured participants that the government would carefully study the recommendations emerging from the conference and collaborate with key stakeholders to implement priority reforms, while recognising the fiscal constraints facing many health systems in the region.

The President also called for innovative and sustainable financing models to strengthen healthcare delivery, encouraging responsible private sector participation and targeted incentives to encourage newly trained health professionals to serve in underserved communities.

Additionally, he underscored the importance of promoting gender equity in surgical training and leadership, describing inclusion as “both a matter of fairness and a practical necessity.”

The annual WACS conference brings together surgeons, medical professionals, and policymakers from across the sub-region to share knowledge and advance surgical practice in West Africa.