Ghana is taking decisive steps to transform its pharmaceutical industry into a continental leader, with the government outlining a strategic vision to
Ghana is taking decisive steps to transform its pharmaceutical industry into a continental leader, with the government outlining a strategic vision to boost local drug production, reduce reliance on imports, and expand the nation’s influence in Africa’s healthcare market.
On Monday, August 25, 2025, the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, held a high-level engagement with key pharmaceutical producers in Accra to chart a path towards this ambitious goal.
The meeting drew together industry stakeholders to discuss strengthening production capacity, scaling up investments, and aligning operations with international standards.
Akandoh assured the pharmaceutical sector of the government’s full backing, citing policy reforms, infrastructure support, and incentives as tools to drive growth.
“Ghana is ready to lead Africa in pharmaceutical production. We have the expertise, the capacity and the political will to make this vision a reality,” the minister declared.
The move comes against the backdrop of a growing continental demand for affordable, safe, and effective medicines.
Africa currently imports about 70% of its pharmaceutical products, according to the African Union, a situation that exposes countries to supply chain disruptions, high costs, and shortages during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The leadership sees this as an opportunity to fill the gap. By boosting local production, the country aims not only to guarantee medicine security for its citizens but also to export to neighboring markets, positioning itself as a pharmaceutical powerhouse within the ECOWAS sub-region and beyond.
The initiative also aligns with Ghana’s broader industrialization agenda, which prioritizes local manufacturing as a driver of economic growth and job creation.
Industry players at the meeting welcomed the government’s commitment, stressing that sustained support and investment will be critical.
They pointed out that strengthening regulatory institutions, supporting research and development, and building modern laboratories will be key to meeting both domestic and international quality standards.
Analysts argue that the timing of this push is significant. With Africa’s population projected to exceed 1.7 billion by 2030, the demand for medicines is expected to rise sharply.
The proactive approach could therefore give it a competitive edge in an industry that is both vital for public health and lucrative for economic development.
Stakeholders also discussed how to enhance compliance with global standards such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and to create a conducive environment for innovation.
If successful, the vision could position Ghana not only as a self-sufficient nation in drug manufacturing but also as a key player in ensuring medicine accessibility across the continent.
For now, the challenge remains execution. But with strong political will, industry collaboration, and sustained investment, the dream of becoming Africa’s pharmaceutical hub is edging closer to reality.
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