The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) in Ghana, has rolled out the Vax & Pharm Ghana Project, an ambitious programme designed to strengthen domestic vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The initiative, formally known as “Strengthening Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Production in Ghana,” aligns with the nation’s 10-year Vaccine Manufacturing Roadmap and supports the African Union’s broader objective to produce at least 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Health Minister, Chief Director Desmond Boateng underscored the urgency of reducing Ghana’s heavy dependence on foreign-made vaccines and medicines.
He revealed that the country currently imports over 70% of its medicines and nearly all vaccines used in health facilities.
“Health security cannot be outsourced. Access to essential medicines and vaccines must not depend on global supply chains or the goodwill of others,” he noted, emphasizing that Ghana is taking a decisive step toward self-sufficiency.
WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, described the project as a landmark development, pointing out that Africa, despite representing a quarter of global vaccine demand—produces only 0.1% of its vaccines.
She pledged the WHO’s full support in guiding Ghana through technology transfer, regulatory strengthening, and other specialised technical assistance to ensure internationally compliant production.
Speaking for the European Union, Timothy Nolan reaffirmed the EU’s partnership with Ghana and highlighted Team Europe’s €2 billion investment package dedicated to advancing vaccine and pharmaceutical production across Africa.
He commended Ghana’s growing leadership in the health manufacturing sector and expressed optimism about the country’s future as a regional hub.
The Ministry also recognised the pivotal contributions of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the National Vaccine Institute, and private sector players in driving the initiative’s success.
The launch event drew participation from key government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry partners, and development organisations, signalling a major step forward in Ghana’s long-term strategy to improve health security and expand local pharmaceutical capacity.
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