Government approves pharmaceutical policy to boost local drug production

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced that Government had recently approved the Pharmaceutical Policy, which would provide the framework for accelerating investment, promoting local manufacturing and improving the competitiveness of Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry.

She made the statement during a meeting with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, who led a delegation to pay a courtesy call on her at in Accra on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on deepening collaboration between the WHO and the Government of Ghana to enhance the local production of medicines and vaccines through partnerships involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI) and regulatory institutions, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

The Minister said government remains committed to increasing local production of medicines and vaccines as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and promote industrial growth.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the WHO, the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to build a robust pharmaceutical manufacturing sector capable of meeting the country’s healthcare needs while contributing to economic transformation.

She expressed appreciation to the WHO for its continued support towards developing Ghana’s pharmaceutical industry.

Dr Braka said the WHO was supporting countries under its health systems strengthening framework to build resilient pharmaceutical manufacturing industries capable of producing safe, quality and affordable medicines.

She explained that expanding local pharmaceutical production would improve access to essential medicines and vaccines, strengthen regulatory systems and reduce dependence on imported health products.

According to her, Ghana has made significant progress in pharmaceutical manufacturing and is well positioned to become a leading producer of medicines and vaccines in the sub-region.

Dr Braka described the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry as a key partner in driving the reforms and industrial policies needed to grow the pharmaceutical sector, and assured the Minister of the WHO’s readiness to facilitate greater collaboration among relevant institutions.