The Ministry of Health has welcomed a high-level delegation from the European Union (EU) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as part of ongoing engagements to boost Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry. The delegation was led by Mr. Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation at the EU.
The visit focused on strengthening local capacity for pharmaceutical manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on vaccine production under the PharmaVax Ghana Programme. Discussions also touched on technology transfer, sustainability in vaccine research, and long-term strategies to secure Ghana’s pharmaceutical sovereignty.
Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, expressed gratitude to the EU and GIZ for their commitment to Ghana’s health sector. “We are determined to build a resilient local pharmaceutical ecosystem that can produce for Ghana and beyond. Strengthening vaccine production is not just a health issue, it is a matter of national security and economic empowerment,” he said.
He added that government is prioritizing policies that will ensure Ghana reduces its dependence on imported medicines and vaccines. “This partnership is a step closer to safeguarding our people’s health while creating jobs and building skills for our youth,” Hon. Akandoh noted.
On behalf of the EU, Mr. Mina reaffirmed their support for Ghana’s vision. “The European Union stands ready to walk this path with Ghana. The PharmaVax Ghana Programme will be a flagship initiative, driving innovation, creating employment, and ensuring that vaccines are available and affordable not only in Ghana but across West Africa,” he stated.
A representative from GIZ also emphasized the importance of sustainable collaboration.“Our goal is to transfer knowledge and technology in a way that strengthens Ghana’s long-term independence in pharmaceutical production,” the official remarked.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their joint commitment to advancing Ghana’s health security while contributing to the African Union’s broader agenda of regional self-reliance in vaccine availability.
