President John Dramani Mahama has urged international vaccine manufacturers to partner with the government to establish a Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Hub, describing the initiative as critical to strengthening Ghana’s and Africa’s health security.
He made the appeal during an engagement with pharmaceutical industry stakeholders at the WHX Leaders Conference, noting that Africa’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious vulnerabilities, particularly the continent’s heavy reliance on imported vaccines.
Mr. Mahama said the proposed hub would boost Ghana’s local vaccine production capacity while improving regional readiness for future public health emergencies.
“We cannot continue to rely solely on imported vaccines that determine our survival,” he said. “We are inviting manufacturers and investors to work with government to turn this vision into reality.”
He added that Ghana’s growing pharmaceutical industry and its strategic location in West Africa position the country well to play a leading role in vaccine development and distribution across the continent.
Meanwhile, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed that her ministry is engaging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to facilitate seamless intra-African trade, particularly for pharmaceutical products when local vaccine production begins.
She explained that efforts to eliminate trade barriers and improve market access under AfCFTA would help Ghana-made vaccines and health products compete effectively across Africa.
“We are working closely with AfCFTA to ensure smooth access for our manufacturers across the continent. This is key to building strong and competitive industries,” she said.
Also speaking, Peter Hall, President for the Middle East, India, Turkey and Africa at Informa Markets, underscored the value of platforms such as the WHX Leaders Conference, saying they promote collaboration, spur innovation, and create opportunities for governments, investors, and industry players to build resilient health and industrial systems.
The WHX Leaders Conference brought together policymakers, global health experts, investors, and pharmaceutical companies to deliberate on health system innovations, industrial transformation, and Africa’s preparedness for future global shocks.
