By Bawanke David
Some key stakeholders in the Oti Region have thrown their support behind Ghana’s plan to begin local vaccine manufacturing in 2027, describing it as a crucial step towards health security and self-reliance.
The endorsement emerged from interviews conducted as part of a nationwide assessment of public awareness, confidence and challenges surrounding locally produced vaccines. The engagement focused on professional perspectives on vaccination, trust in the health system and barriers to vaccine delivery at the community level.
The stakeholders said local vaccine manufacturing would reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports, ensure timely access to vaccines and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to disease outbreaks.
Dr Raphael Tumawu, Head of Administration at Krachi Government Hospital, noted that the initiative would address chronic supply chain bottlenecks.
“Locally produced vaccines will bridge the gaps we face in the system, especially recurring stock-outs,” he said.
Dr Tumawu also highlighted persistent myths that continue to fuel vaccine hesitancy.
“Vaccines prepare our immune system against diseases that would otherwise attack us. Vaccination is not new. It started long before our modern health delivery system,” he explained.
Mr. Prosper Kwaku Addo, Dean of MMDCEs in the Oti Region, appealed to the public to stop discouraging others from getting immunised.
“Vaccines are lifesavers. Those who discourage others do so out of ignorance. If they understood the importance of vaccination, they would not stop people from taking it,” he stated.
He commended the government and the National Vaccine Institute for the bold policy direction but cautioned that public confidence would depend on quality assurance.
“Strict quality control and transparent communication by the Food and Drugs Authority will be key to building trust in Ghana-made vaccines,” he added.
Madam Wilhemina Makpanke, a headteacher in the region, argued that vaccines produced in Ghana would better reflect local health realities.
“Since the manufacturers understand the local conditions and health needs of our people, these vaccines will be more beneficial to the nation than relying solely on imports during outbreaks,” she said.
She urged the media to work closely with health professionals to disseminate accurate information about vaccine safety.
“Health workers are the frontline sources of credible vaccine information. The media must help amplify those messages,” she stressed.
The stakeholders identified three major challenges:
- Low public awareness of the local vaccine manufacturing agenda.
- Persistent misinformation and myths about vaccines.
- Logistical barriers, including poor road networks, gaps in cold chain infrastructure and long travel distances to health facilities in rural parts of Krachi East and Krachi West.
To ensure the success of the initiative, stakeholders called for:
- Intensified public education using trusted local voices, including health workers, teachers and traditional leaders.
- Equitable distribution systems that reach hard-to-reach communities.
- Continuous community engagement to address misconceptions and foster public ownership of locally manufactured vaccines.
The interviews conducted in the Oti Region reflect cautious optimism. While support for local vaccine production remains strong, stakeholders agreed that sustained public education, strict regulatory oversight and improved access at the community level will be critical to the initiative’s success.
