The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) announced a partnership with Africa’s Brain Bank for a six‑day summit that will culminate in the groundbreaking of a proposed Medical City in Ada. The 7th Annual Summit, Charity Ball and Medical City Groundbreaking will run from 3 to 8 September 2026 in Accra and Ada under the theme, “Africa’s Greatest Wealth, Its People; Restoring Africa’s Health Capital.”
At the heart of the programme is the envisioned Medical City, an integrated ecosystem of healthcare, education, research, innovation and economic development designed to broaden access to affordable, specialised and technology‑enabled medical services. GTA Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto said the partnership shows how tourism can serve as a platform for wider investment and development.
“Summit, Charity Ball, and Historic Medical City Groundbreaking present a powerful opportunity to welcome the world to Ghana while demonstrating the transformative possibilities that emerge when tourism, healthcare, investment, and development work together,” Houadjeto said.
Rev. Dr Pam Fomunung, CEO and Group Chair of Africa’s Brain Bank®, described the GTA’s involvement as an endorsement of Ghana’s ambitions in healthcare, tourism and investment. She added that the Medical City is intended to be more than a healthcare development project, with potential implications for medical tourism, job creation, Diaspora engagement and national growth.
The project will focus on specialised healthcare services, medical education and training, advanced diagnostic and surgical systems, digital healthcare, telemedicine, research and international medical collaboration. Organisers expect the development to create opportunities for local suppliers, service providers and workforce development, while supporting Diaspora knowledge transfer, investment, hospitality and medical tourism activities.
The programme began with a homecoming welcome reception in Accra on 3 September, followed by a Business‑to‑Business Market and community awards on 4 September. A symposium on Africa’s health capital and a red‑carpet summit and awards gala are scheduled for 5 September. Other activities include a Billionaire Breakfast Brunch and beach retreat on 6 September, the Medical City groundbreaking and Greater Accra tour on 7 September, and a visit to Cape Coast and Elmina castles on 8 September.
Organisers are calling on businesses and investors across healthcare, tourism, pharmaceuticals, construction, finance, technology, logistics, real estate, infrastructure and other sectors to participate. The initiative also targets members of the African Diaspora, who can contribute expertise, investment, networks and philanthropic support while reconnecting with Ghana’s cultural and historical heritage.
“This is more than an event. It is a legacy venture that has the potential to create opportunities, attract international attention, strengthen communities, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s healthcare future,” Houadjeto said.
The partnership comes as Ghana continues to promote tourism not only through cultural heritage and leisure travel, but increasingly through investment, conferences and other purpose‑driven engagement. The proposed Medical City could test whether the convergence of tourism, healthcare and Diaspora capital can translate into a long‑term development project.
