Ghana’s first female High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, has urged Ghanaian medical professionals in the diaspora to deepen collaboration with government to help build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system back home.
Speaking at the 20th Annual Conference of the Ghana Doctors and Dentists Association (GDDA) UK in London, Mrs. Benson commended the association’s two-decade-long contribution to Ghana’s healthcare development, describing it as “no small feat.”
“It is with deep honor and genuine delight that I join you today at this important gathering, the 20th Annual Conference of the Ghana Doctors and Dentists Association, U.K. I bring you warm greetings and best wishes from the government and people of Ghana,” she said.
She also congratulated the leadership of the association, particularly Dr. Jacqueline Bamfo, who made history as the first female president of the GDDA UK.
“Allow me, as the first Female High Commissioner of Ghana to the United Kingdom, to begin by congratulating the leadership of GDDA UK, and especially Dr Jacqueline Bamfo, also the first Female President of GDDA UK. Thank you for your vision, your consistency, and your commitment,” she stated.
Mrs. Benson praised the association’s chosen theme — “Advancing Community Health: Primary Care Perspectives from Ghana and the UK”— describing it as “both timely and vital.”
“Primary care, as we know, is the bedrock of any resilient health system. It is where prevention begins, where early detection takes place, and where continuity of care is secured. It is also where trust is built between patients and professionals, between communities and institutions,” she said.
Reflecting on presentations from Ghanaian and UK-based medical experts, Mrs. Benson shared her admiration and personal takeaways from the discussions.
“I was particularly with the dental presentation, I could relate. And I know a lot of people in Ghana don’t even take oral hygiene serious, so I was just laughing and smiling, because you hit the nail right on the head,” she said, adding humorously, “I would encourage our dentists also to do it. I know you are short-staffed, but we all need it, so kindly do that for us.”
She also noted her newfound understanding of the pressures faced by doctors in the UK.
“I also learned that it’s not that the doctors are not nice, but you have 10 minutes to take care of us. So we have the impression that, you know, they are not nice, and you are under pressure, immense pressure to take care of us within 10 minutes. So now I understand why,” she remarked.
Turning to Ghana’s healthcare agenda, Mrs. Benson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
“Under the leadership of His Excellency President John Rahman Mahama, Ghana continues to pursue a bold and inclusive healthcare vision. One that places primary health care at the heart of our universal health coverage agenda. This vision is grounded in values we all share — accessibility, equity, participation, and sustainability,” she said.
Highlighting ongoing national initiatives, she cited investments in community-based health planning and services (CHPS), infrastructure and training, pharmaceutical development, and diaspora partnerships as key to achieving healthcare transformation.
“We cannot do it alone. We need your continued expertise. We need your innovation. We need your leadership,” Mrs. Benson emphasized.
She urged the Ghanaian medical diaspora to go beyond providing care, to influence policy, mentor young professionals, and invest in health infrastructure.
“As members of the Ghanaian diaspora, you are uniquely positioned as expert medical and data practitioners, not only to provide care, but to influence policy, mentor young professionals, and invest in infrastructure, and shape the future of healthcare delivery,” she said.
The High Commissioner also reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining and strengthening the strong partnership between the High Commission and the GDDA UK.
“I can assure you that my administration will not deviate from the tradition of the already excellent partnership. We will continue to collaborate under my leadership to ensure that overall vision for a better future is achieved,” she pledged.
Ending her remarks on a note of unity and optimism, Mrs. Benson said, “Let us deepen this partnership. Let us work together to build a health system that is inclusive, resilient, and truly responsive to the needs of our people. Let us be bold. Let us be united. And above all, let us remember that a healthy Ghana is a stronger Ghana.”
The conference brought together Ghanaian doctors, dentists, and health professionals from across the UK and Ghana to share perspectives and explore innovations in primary healthcare delivery.
