The Ministry of Health has launched the Vax & Pharm Ghana Project, a major initiative aimed at accelerating local vaccine and pharmaceutical production in line with Ghana’s 10-year National Vaccine Manufacturing Roadmap and the African Union’s target to produce 60% of Africa’s vaccines locally by 2040.
The project, formally titled Strengthening Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Production in Ghana, is being implemented in partnership with the World Health Organization and the European Union in Ghana. At the launch, held in Accra, officials underscored the urgent need to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported medical supplies.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health, Chief Director Desmond Boateng noted that Ghana imports more than 70% of its medicines and nearly all its vaccines. “Health security cannot be outsourced,” he said. “Access to essential medicines and vaccines must not depend on global supply chains or the goodwill of others. Today, Ghana takes a decisive step toward building our own capacity.”
WHO Country Representative Dr. Fiona Braka described the initiative as a “defining moment” for Ghana and the region, stressing that Africa currently manufactures just 0.1% of the vaccines it consumes. She said WHO would continue to support Ghana with technical guidance, technology transfer and regulatory strengthening to ensure international-quality production.
Representing the European Union, Mr. Timothy Nolan reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the initiative, citing Team Europe’s €2 billion support package for vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa. He praised Ghana’s leadership and said the country is well positioned to become a regional hub for health innovation.
The Ministry of Health also acknowledged the key role of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Food and Drugs Authority, the National Vaccine Institute and private-sector partners in advancing the effort.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, regulators and industry leaders, marking what stakeholders called a major milestone in Ghana’s push for health sovereignty and long-term pharmaceutical independence.