President Mahama Calls for Global Partnerships to Establish Ghana as Vaccine Manufacturing Hub
President John Dramani Mahama is calling on international vaccine manufacturers to partner with government in establishing the Ghana Vaccine Manufacturing Hub, a flagship initiative aimed at bolstering the country’s and the continent’s health security.
Speaking during an engagement with pharmaceutical industry leaders at the WHX Leaders Conference, Mr Mahama noted that Africa’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep structural vulnerabilities, particularly the region’s near-total dependence on imported vaccines.
According to him, the establishment of the hub will not only build Ghana’s capacity to produce vaccines locally but also strengthen West Africa’s preparedness for future health emergencies.
“We cannot continue to depend entirely on imports for vaccines that determine our survival. We are calling on manufacturers and investors to collaborate with government to make this hub a reality,” he said.
The former president stressed that Ghana’s existing pharmaceutical ecosystem, supported by its strategic geographic position, places the country in a strong position to lead vaccine manufacturing and distribution across the sub-region.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed that the ministry is engaging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to ensure seamless intra-African trade for pharmaceutical products once domestic vaccine production begins.
She maintained that improving market access and removing non-tariff barriers under AfCFTA would be critical to ensuring that Ghana-made vaccines are competitive across the continent.
“We are working closely with the AfCFTA to create smooth access for our manufacturers across Africa. This is essential if we want to build strong, competitive industries,” she noted.
Peter Hall, President for the Middle East, India, Turkey and Africa at Informa Markets, underscored the relevance of the WHX Leaders Conference as a platform that drives innovation, fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for governments, investors and industry players to build resilient health and industrial systems.
The WHX Leaders Conference convened global health experts, investors, policymakers and pharmaceutical companies to discuss health system innovation, industrial transformation and Africa’s preparedness for future global disruptions.
