Dr George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), told healthcare leaders in Ghana that AI can improve healthcare outcomes and create new opportunities for economic growth. He delivered the keynote on August 4, 2026, at the first International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Pharma, hosted by the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho in partnership with Ghana's Ministry of Health.
The conference brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, technology innovators, and entrepreneurs to examine how AI could transform healthcare delivery, accelerate innovation, and stimulate economic activity across Africa.
Donkor calls for regional cooperation on AI in health
In his address, Dr Donkor said AI's value extends beyond technology. He urged stronger regional cooperation to unlock its full potential in healthcare, citing interoperable digital infrastructure, harmonised regulatory frameworks, research collaboration, and investment in digital skills as priorities.
"Artificial Intelligence represents far more than a technological advancement; it is a catalyst for transforming healthcare systems, empowering innovation and creating a new generation of health entrepreneurs. By working together to build a regional digital health ecosystem, West Africa can become not only a consumer of AI solutions but also a global producer of healthcare innovations that improve lives and drive sustainable growth," said Dr Donkor.
EBID backs digital health investment
Dr Donkor reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to investments that support digital transformation, regional integration, and private sector development, in line with its Growth, Resilience and Optimisation (GRO) Strategy 2026-2030.
Why this matters for healthcare professionals
The conference's theme - moving from vision and policy to practice and impact - signals a concrete shift for health workers. As West African governments and development banks push for interoperable digital systems and harmonised regulation, clinicians and administrators will be the ones using AI tools in daily work.
Medical billing and health administration are likely to see early changes as AI adoption spreads. An AI Learning Path for Medical Billers targets the administrative side, while AI for Healthcare resources cover the wider field.
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