The Government of Ghana is committed to strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing to enhance the country's health security and reduce dependence on imported medicines. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to develop the domestic pharmaceutical industry, which is crucial for national health security, particularly in the face of vulnerabilities in global supply chains. According to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the government is focused on building capacity in specialized areas of pharmaceutical production.
Ghana has made significant progress in developing its pharmaceutical sector, with a focus on producing infusions, injectables, and anesthetics. The country is also building capacity in vaccine and biological product manufacturing, which are important steps towards creating a stronger domestic pharmaceutical industry. The Vice President made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 90th anniversary celebration and Annual General Meeting of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGH) in Accra. The event's theme was "Science, Impact, Legacy."
The government has recently announced a five-year strategy to significantly expand domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. This strategy aims to reduce Ghana's dependence on imported medicines and strengthen its resilience against disruptions in global pharmaceutical supply chains. The Vice President emphasized that the profession of pharmacy has evolved beyond traditional dispensing of medicines to include patient care, medicine safety, regulation, public health, research, and industry.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang congratulated the PSGH on sustaining organized pharmacy practice in Ghana for 90 years and acknowledged the contribution of pharmacists to the country's healthcare system. She emphasized that Ghana's changing health needs require greater emphasis on prevention, early detection, and effective management of chronic and non-communicable diseases. The government's Free Primary Healthcare program is designed to support this approach, with a focus on prevention, screening, and early detection.
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of strong and credible regulatory systems in protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the pharmaceutical sector. She identified the Pharmacy Council, Food and Drugs Authority, Health Facilities Regulatory Agency, and other relevant institutions as important components of the regulatory framework. The quality and efficacy of medicines, the competence of healthcare providers, and standards of healthcare facilities must remain non-negotiable.
The government is also promoting collaboration among stakeholders, including industry, academia, and regulators, to develop the pharmaceutical sector. The Vice President urged the PSGH to help shape the next generation of pharmacists and strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain, from research and formulation to advanced production. She emphasized that academia and research institutions must direct more scientific capacity towards addressing Ghana's health challenges.
The Vice President concluded by challenging the current generation of pharmacists to build on the legacy of the profession by responding to contemporary healthcare and technological needs. She expressed hope that the next 90 years would be characterized by scientific excellence, greater impact, and a strong professional legacy. The government's efforts to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing are expected to have a positive impact on Ghana's health security and the pharmaceutical sector as a whole.
Key points
- The government aims to reduce Ghana's dependence on imported medicines through a five-year strategy to expand domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- The pharmaceutical sector is evolving to include patient care, medicine safety, regulation, public health, research, and industry.
- Strong regulatory systems are essential to protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the pharmaceutical sector.
