By: Savannah Pokuaah Duah
The Ministry of Health led by its Minister, Kwabena Mintah Akando, in partnership with the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), convened the Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Investment Forum, signaling a renewed commitment to establishing Ghana as a regional hub for vaccine production.
President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama pledged further government support for the effort, while the Health Minister called for significant investment to bring local manufacturers to scale.
“The Minister also reiterated Ghana’s dedication to move from relying on other people. “Ghana will not beg for vaccines. Ghana will make them,” he declared.
The forum brought together key stakeholders and experts to outline strategies that will accelerate Ghana’s vaccine production efforts.
The event follows the government’s earlier promise of financial support to the initiative, bringing total funding so far to $75 million.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing challenges related to access to financing and leveraging Ghana’s progress in health regulation, research, and local pharmaceutical production. He noted that the government’s support for vaccine manufacturing aligns with global efforts to strengthen health systems and promote sustainable development.
To fully operationalize the program, an estimated $115 million in additional funding is needed. The Health Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting DEK Vaccines Ltd and Atlantic Lifesciences Ltd—two state-backed companies expected to spearhead vaccine production.
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)—are already engaged in research and development. However, additional capital is needed to scale their operations and strengthen their role in the national vaccine agenda.
The Ministry assured that all stakeholders will work together to achieve the collective vision of vaccine self-reliance.
“The next pandemic will not wait. But neither will Ghana. We are ready to manufacture, ready to regulate, and ready to lead,” the Minister concluded.
