The G4 Alliance, a coalition of about 80 organizations advocating for safe, timely surgical care, will convene its 2026 global summit in Accra from November 5-11, bringing global health leaders together to advance national surgical, obstetric, trauma and anaesthesia planning in Ghana and across Africa.
Accra is set to bring together health ministers from across Africa, regional health bodies, global financiers, clinicians and over 80 international organisations under the G4 Alliance initiative.
The meeting is being convened by the Diaspora African Forum (DAF) in collaboration with the G4 Alliance and Mercy Ships.
Speaking ahead of the summit during a press briefing on Monday, October 26, 2026 at the headquarters of DAF in Accra, Dr. Evelyn Abayaah-Issah, Co-founder and Governing Council Member of WiPHLA and Director at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, said the Alliance is driving equity for neglected surgical conditions.
“The G4 Alliance is a consortium of about 80 organizations working to advance safe, high-quality, affordable surgical care for patients everywhere. Our work is advancing equity in care for neglected surgical conditions,” she said.
“We are hosting the G4 Alliance Permanent Council and Surgical Meeting in Accra on November 9 and 10, 2026, bringing together all of these major organizations, including African health ministers, regional bodies, financiers, and clinicians, to address one of the most persistent gaps in global health. A large portion of the world’s population does not have access to surgical care.”
Dr. Abayaah-Issah said the dialogue aligns with President John Dramani Mahama‘s drive for health sovereignty for the continent and Ghana in particular.
“His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to bring health sovereignty to the continent, and to Ghana in particular, make this dialogue especially important. Ghana does not intend to sit on the sidelines when it comes to providing surgical care and education,” she added.
Ghana brings a strong foundation to the discussion, with an existing National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) and an active implementation committee whose lessons are being shared across the African region.
As part of activities leading up to the summit, participants will undergo training at the University of Ghana Hospital on November 5, and visit the Mercy Ships vessel at Tema Port on November 7.
Dr. Juliette Tuakli, pediatrician, reproductive health specialist and founder of CHILD Accra, Borad members of the Mercy Ships said the dialogue reflects a shared commitment to care based on need.
“The G4 Alliance dialogue will reflect on a shared commitment to ensuring that access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care is determined by medical need — not by geography or financial circumstances,” she said.
“It is particularly fitting to gather in Ghana, a country that has demonstrated considerable leadership in developing its national surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia plan. Ghana has shown what can be achieved when governments, healthcare professionals, and international partners work together toward a common purpose.”
Dr. Tuakli noted, however, that policy must translate into action.
“Developing a national strategy is only the beginning. Success depends on translating policy into practice and practice into lasting improvements in care. That is the challenge at the heart of this conference: moving beyond policy commitments to address the practical requirements of financing, workforce training, infrastructure, and service delivery — all with the goal of improving patient outcomes,” she said.
“We are especially pleased that delegates will have the opportunity to visit local institutions and see firsthand how surgical care, medical training, and international collaboration can work together to transform lives and strengthen healthcare systems.”
She expressed hope that the gathering will build lasting impact beyond Accra.
“Our hope is that this gathering will do more than facilitate an exchange of ideas. It should forge new partnerships, inspire practical solutions, and build on the momentum generated by Ghana’s efforts and last year’s surgical dialogue,” Dr. Tuakli said.
“Ultimately, our shared ambition is simple: safe, essential surgical care should be accessible to everyone, not reserved for the few.”
H.E Ambassador Erieka Bennett, founder and head of mission, Diaspora African Forum (DAF), encouraged Ghanaians to participate in the G4 Alliance conference and get trained because in to enhance Ghana’s health care system especially with surgical care.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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