Chinese and Ghanaian medical professionals gathered at the University of Ghana, for the maiden China-Ghana Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Summit, marking a major step forward in healthcare cooperation between China and West Africa.
Co-hosted by the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), the Ghana Health Service, and the University of Ghana, in collaboration with the 14th China Medical Team to Ghana, the summit focused on advancing the adoption and practice of minimally invasive surgical techniques in West African healthcare systems.
Themed “Precision, Advancement, Collaboration,” the event brought together leading surgeons, scholars, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders both in-person and virtually.
Dr. Yang Yongguang, leader of the Chinese medical team, described the summit as a symbol of enduring friendship between China and West Africa.
He emphasized the benefits of MIS—reduced pain, less blood loss, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays—and shared China’s successful experiences in applying these techniques across medical disciplines.
“MIS has transformed how we approach surgery in China, and we are pleased to transfer that knowledge to our Ghanaian colleagues,” Dr. Yang said during a technical presentation on advances in laparoscopic hepatectomy.
The summit featured a series of academic presentations showcasing innovative uses of laparoscopy and robotics in breast surgery, gynecology, and hepatobiliary-pancreatic operations.
Experts from the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, including Dr. Zhang Yuanqi, Dr. Zhang Ying, and Dr. Tan Xiaoyu, joined their Ghanaian counterparts to share insights and data-backed techniques.
Dr. Zakariah of LEKMA Hospital highlighted the progress made through continuous collaboration with Chinese medical teams, particularly the successful execution of Ghana’s first laparoscopic hernia repair surgery and ongoing training for surgical and support staff.
In his address, Prof. Samuel Debrah, President of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, described MIS as a “paradigm shift” in surgical practice.
He commended the Chinese teams for their dedication and urged continued collaboration to equip Ghanaian hospitals with the skills and equipment needed for advanced procedures.
“Through this partnership, we’re able to deliver faster, safer care to more patients,” he stated.
Mr. Benjamin Kwei Mensah, Manager of Essence Medical Laboratory and Clinic, expertly moderated the forum.
He also led a demonstration of the Plasma Surgery Machine, used in thyroid, ENT, breast, and arthroscopic procedures, noting its transition from thermal to kinetic energy technology, which enhances surgical precision while reducing tissue trauma.
Also in attendance was Mr. Cai Dingbin, President of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, who praised the 14th Chinese Medical Team for raising LEKMA Hospital to national prominence in MIS capabilities.
As part of efforts to expand medical innovation and collaboration, Mr. Prince Opoku Dogbey, Vice President of the HCOWA Association, invited stakeholders to participate in the upcoming 2025 China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo and AI Diagnosis and Project Cooperation Summit, set for August 20–22 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
The summit concluded with vibrant networking sessions, a photo exhibition, and reaffirmed commitments to transnational collaboration.
